The Sands Centre

Negative experience: No atmosphere. Unfriendly reception no response when you enter.. soul less building.. nothing open ie coffee shop..couldn't find an Olympic size swimming pool.. disappointing all round

Fantastic experience: Very friendly, and Becky really helped me to do the best i could at my physio appointments.

Negative experience: Better Box Office have just moved the planned Rhod Gilbert date from Saturday 7th June to Thursday 9th October, and as we can’t make it I called for a full refund via but Beth the Better Box Office Manger who mindlessly chants terms and conditions - even when not asked refused a full refund. Apparently the £2.98 commission charge for each ticket is still their money to keep even though they changed date. Not Rhod Gilbert but them. It’s not a lot of money but I decide where my charitable donations go not Beth. Not only that, Beth admits they’ll get the same commission again when they sell my tickets, whilst this organisation may claim to be a charitable enterprise, be warned, they are like hungry hippos when it comes to looking after their customers. She couldn’t refund my charges because she’d have to do it for everyone… durrrr yes that’s the point you absolutely should refund people you have let down, as in this is not their fault and they booked with you in good faith. This isn’t really a business that lives and breathes its charitable ethics, it’s going to sell those 8th row stalls tickets and pocket the commissions again. When I attempted to escalate this Beth refused, she doesn’t have a manager, it’s just her, she is apparently without a line manager and wholly responsible for this greedy policy apparently and the much quoted “terms and conditions”. I had nowhere else to go with this she refused. I am indignant because for the third time this year got ripped off by a venue who pulled the rug out from under me. Beth offered me tickets at Kendal for which I’d be stung another commission I assume, for a different venue after I told her I was travelling up to Carlisle for the Saturday performance hence I now couldn’t attend a Thursday so no Beth a Wednesday in Kendal isn’t any help, listen to what people tell you. I was travelling four hours for the original date. This has ruined a planned birthday weekend for my husband so this hasn’t helped. At least Shrewsbury Theatre Severn gave a full refund when Chris McCausland rearranged a date for personal reasons- which turned out to be him going on Strictly, so kudos to them. Beth doesn’t accept this is unfair, only that it’s in their contract that they can move dates times and keep some of the money you paid, so know that if you use this company and they change a date because their venue needs a new roof you will pay for that privilege and Beth will expect you to be overjoyed at a partial refund. I’m not impressed when you know you are in the right and you get the robot effect, computer said no for me on this occasion. Avoid Better Box Office like the plague and T&C Beth.

Fantastic experience: Go swimming here every week. Facilities are good, but the toilets in the swimming changing rooms could do with some nice smells. The staff on the receptions desks are very helpful. One lady in particular was very patient in showing us how to navigate the app.

Fantastic experience: Went for physio, perfect

Positive experience: Gym opening time are not relevant for people who work shift patterns

Positive experience: No food or coffee available pool usually cold no proper vending Carlisle council at its best if the cafe was open for snacks and food for people using the gym and swimming and the classes it would be a great place but because there are no shows or concerts on all the facilities are shut till 2025 so unless you want to just swim or gym don't bother

Fantastic experience: They run kids' swimming lessons, which is useful.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely brilliant have not been to gym for years but staff were brilliant. Swimming pool great been everyday with my grandson in the holidays

Positive experience: I took my best friend to the Sands for injections into her foot as the NHS has some services there. Loved the new look Sands Centre. The waiting area was big and airy. Eating place / bar now open.

Negative experience: Booked in for a swimming session and I'm aware the car park is closed and so I wished to contact them to ask if there is anywhere else I can park nearby without needing to pay. Tried the phone line 3 times and got cut off each time as it tried to connect me to someone at the centre. I then messaged via Facebook and got an automated message to say that they aren't responding to messages and to either go online, or contact the centre. There is no information online about the car parking alternatives that I could find and the phone number when I reluctantly tried again, hung up on me- not to my surprise. Absolutely shocking customer service! I also had an issue with my membership. I paid for a membership however because they required my ID to prove that I needed the type of membership I had applied for, I had to wait 5 working days for it to be approved. In this time, I tried to book a session, only for the system to tell me I needed to pay £7 for a 50 minute swimming session after I'd already paid £41 something for my membership and the "setup fee". I contacted the customer service complaints and was told i needed to provide a booking reference. I told them several times that I didn't book a session as after forking out over £40, I didn't then want to pay an additional 7. I'd also paid extra for the couple of days before my payment was due to be taken by direct debit. After various emails from them telling me they need a booking reference and me saying I didn't have one, they FINALLY agreed to a refund for the 7 days (including weekend) that i was unable to use- which was credit of £4.80 to my account! Absolutely shocking customer service, I'm really unhappy with the way this centre treats its customers who only have a couple of valid questions/ queries. Also worth noting that every time we have been recently, it's £7 per adult and £5 per child for 50 minutes and the pool is absolutely freezing. Not much fun at all!

Negative experience: Pool was clean, however for the price we paid we expected to get full use of the pool, we had less than half of the pool to share with others that were there for the swim for all due to swimming lessons going on at the same time blocked off half the pool, not good at all, people expect more for the price.

Negative experience: My son and i go swimming here But we may start to go to another complex as the water is far to cold .the past 3 WEEKS! totally freezing minus the ice.we have attended on three differant time slots and cold constant .needs sorted not good at all

Fantastic experience: Went to see NHS physio, excellent experience

Fantastic experience: If you're doing the Hadrian's wall path, then you have to go here to get your 6th stamp, (or your 2nd) so had to give 5 stars as we've almost finished the Hadrian's wall.

Fantastic experience: nice clean spacious gym, with techno gym equipment, a reasonable selection of plate loaded equipment, and pin loaded equipment, good amount of benches and dumbbells, squat rack, cable machines, modern cardio equipment. Also good selection of classes, pool and squat courts.

Positive experience: Lovely clean pool and kind staff. We brought out 1.5 yr old and there were lessons in the kids pool. The bigger one was absolutely freezing and he was shivering we had to keep putting him under the shower :(

Fantastic experience: First time in there, not for visiting but for other reason. A place worth to explore in future. Got a membership today. Gym and swimming pool. First time next week.

Fantastic experience: Lovely staff, especially Heather, always cheerful & helpful. Pool & facilities are good. Could be bit busy during school holidays.

Fantastic experience: It's got a beautiful gym and it has also a stage with a big groups come in and singers like Daniel O'Donnell and others too I've been there good night sometimes they have swimming pool if you want to go for a swimming all sorts you can do in there I hope you have a good time however goes you pay for the car park it has a cafe to ok ok I hope you enjoy I did have some pictures I am deleted them when I'm getting some new ones soon as I get them I'll put them up

Fantastic experience: Situated in the multi faceted Sands centre is the 25m swimming pool, I which I attended, very decent well maintained and staffed.

Positive experience: First time at sands centre, attending a kid party in the soft play area, the sands appear nice, clean & new. However the cafe is closed, which I was told was due the the concert area being closed down. I would of thought it would be open regardless during peak times for kids parties, gym or swimming users or even for tourists wanting to rest & quench their thirst & eat snacks etc. The city council are missing a trick here! Missed revenue & top reviews, I for one are bloody parched, could do with a brew & cake!

Negative experience: Cost £24 plus more for family swim and parking. Pool is cold, changing facilities are average. You can book a private pool for £30 which is lovely and warm have it all to yourself and costs nothing to park. Never going back very poor.

Fantastic experience: I love the sands, I love the classes I can honesty say all my instructors are amazing ! They genuinely care they’ve really made a big difference to my mental well being also ,met lots of new people who are lovely I,d highly recommend the sands with out a doubt.

Fantastic experience: The swim and gym facilities are absolutely first rate. Everything is clean, new, and super easy to book, etc. Staff are really friendly and approachable too.

Negative experience: The Pool is hardly ever open for fitness swimming. Twice this week there was no swimming between 8am and 6:30 pm. When it is available the lanes can be very busy.

Fantastic experience: Went for a swim with family, bee unique session, 1 meter pool heigh, very friendly, limited amount of people, great for our kids

Positive experience: This is a place for indoor sports activities and a swimming pool . I was visiting an NHS physio facility as a patient located within.

Positive experience: They changed the gym and pool times at the start of the year without notifying many guests. Gym equipment is good and new, they always keep it clean however the juniour gym and NHS section can make it a bit busier than usual, but avoiding these times all rounder its a great pool and gym.

Fantastic experience: I've used the pool a few times. All staff we have met were happy to help and very friendly. The pool water temperature is on the cooler side but my 2year old can manage 30 mins in there before getting too cold. The outside temperature of the pool and changing room is lovely and warm. It's always very clean.

Positive experience: I'm playing there basketball. Games hall is big enough to fit full court. Boards, rims and nets are good. Unfortunately floor is not same (seems like wooden floor should be replaced) and while bouncing, ball can escape from hands. Toilets clean and refreshed. Friendly and professional staff. I haven't been on other parts of the building.

Negative experience: Ladies Toilets in the swimming changing rooms were awful this morning, they had not been cleaned , really smelly and dirty.

Positive experience: Nice new pool and building but let down by the Better group website and phone system, getting in touch with anyone on the phone is like phone bingo - after pressing buttons for all the different layers of options you might strike it lucky and get to speak to someone. Otherwise you get a recorded message and cut off. Website isn't much better; it usually ends going round and round taking ages to do the simplest of things. I'm currently getting 'Oops we cant find that page' when clicking 'book now' for something during half term. Unfortunately that’s not unusual. On the plus side the staff on site are very helpful.

Fantastic experience: The Sands Centre is part Entertainment district and part Leisure centre. I used the pools, although they have a gym, squash courts, a cafe and more. The pool was great. They had separate ares for kids swimming lessons (which seems to be for schools during the day). There was lane swims set up with clear markers about the lane speed expected and the direction of swimming. The change room facilities were good. There are lockers (you'll need to have a £1 coin or a coin token to use them) that come in a range of sizes. There are showers, and toilets blocks inside the change rooms. There is a great collection of different sized stalls for changing clothes and a few for people with babies. It is really well thought out. I got a casual lane swim ticket. Which also covered the cost of my parking (they have a machine that you can type your registration number into that means your car is covered for a set amount of time). Make sure you double check how long you are allowed to stay, as its only short term parking you get with your swimticket. I really enjoyed my experience there. Thanks!

Fantastic experience: Top place to see bands. Beer prices a little on the steep side. Great view from accessibility area.

Negative experience: Gym and everything else is very good but swimming is the worst experience ever never take your kids. There is one or two good life guards then the other ones are terrible and jobsworths get a life hope you see this, people are just trying to have fun you sad human sleeze ball.

Positive experience: Went to see a band play here. Everybody standing had to enter & exit from the same area. Everybody was shoulder to shoulder in this area, but there was loads of room at other areas. Event staff need to encourage people to spread out or introduce another entrance. People had to fight through the crowds to get to the bar & toilets

Negative experience: I looked on their site to see leisure times as I was going to bring my son swimming, online it said the pool was open until 6pm. I did try to call to double check but got cut off as apparently the system is busy and didn't have that feature at 3pm on a Sunday. So we drove down there, paid for parking. Only to find that the swimming stopped at 2.30pm. If your not going to advertise your facilities correctly you should at very least be able to contacted to clarify any queries a customer has. The women on the desk said oh yes the only person you can speak to when you call is in northern Ireland. What a joke of a set up, and an afternoon wasted not to mention paying for parking I didn't need.

Positive experience: First visit since money was invested to upgrade and modernise. Facilities look great. Unfortunately, none of that money has been used to upgrade the theatre experience. Very tired and worn seating. Nothing seems to have been replaced or improved. There was no aircon, so an extremely uncomfortable experience in that respect. Disappointing and a shame. It definitely fails to be of a standard expected as a venue to attract big name acts.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym and pool, very good food you can get at the Riverside cafe also the bistro, some good shows and gigs, could do with some more really good entertainment, rather drab decor could do with being brightened up a bit.

Positive experience: Need air conditioning in your Main arena area was at dance academy yesturday was stifferling warm ..don't know how all the dance crew where feeling...

Negative experience: How much money did they spend on this place. Did they not think to install Aircon in the theatre. My god it's about 50 degrees in there. Not even any fans or nothing. If your coming to see any kinda show and it's warm outside double the temperature inside and remember water and something to fashion into a fan to cool you down. Can't believe they don't have Aircon in a brand new multimillion pound facility.

Fantastic experience: Our first time here for a morning performance of Zog. Clean facilities and reasonable prices in cafe and bar, we look forward to returning soon!

Positive experience: An interesting provincial entertainment venue. Not quite West End but served its purpose for a child's experience of the bright lights in a dance school show. Perhaps the atmosphere changes with the type of performance staged ie rock concert or musical. Good parking, close to the city centre. Staff were friendly until they catch you filming your child doing her 3 min dance out of a 3 hour long programme.

Fantastic experience: I was here for physio on Friday I was well well looked after the new building is beautifull and a very friendly entry with staff most willing to help out thank you x

Fantastic experience: Just joined the gym and pools here. Brand new complex with all the equipment you could next and plenty of room. The pool is fantastic and numbers are limited so you always get an enjoyable hassle free swim.

Positive experience: Only one bar location serving drinks and food. All staff very friendly and the sixties show was great!

Positive experience: Seems to be a great venue with so much going on. Unfortunately I can't comment too much as I only went there for a checkup at the physiotherapy centre!. That wasn't much fun.

Fantastic experience: I have been to see a lot of different groups and comedians with family and friends. I've never been disappointed. They have been amazing. We have a lot more booked.

Fantastic experience: watched rumors Fleetwood Mac tribute band at the sands . brilliant band if your a Mac fan you won't be disappointed. Sands is probably a medium size venue not to big so your near the action . plenty of parking spaces around it .if you come in to Carlisle by train it's a 15minute walk at most if you keep out of the bars and cafes on the way to it .you can get something to eat in the foyer nice cafe plus a couple of bars as well yeh it's a good place to go for a night out

Negative experience: Had a issue with junior gym times today, and it isn't the first time either. Been told so many different things for junior entry times slots, days, school holidays etc. Wouldn't be so bothered if it was clearer, but to top it for me was when i walked in today and were greeted AGAIN with the least helpful person I've ever met. I have worked in customer service for years, so to be greeted by that attitude and unwillingness to help attitude was awful. Guys inside the gym are great by the way.

Positive experience: Went to the theatre side. Lovely entrance and bar/cafe area, but the actual theatre missed out on the lovely upgrade of the rest of the building. Such a shame as they already book decent shows of all genres, but I am sure with an upgrade they could have even better shows on! Parking good. Seats in circle had a good view.

Positive experience: Great swim. All clean and tidy. Lots of lifeguards. Had a great time with my 4 year old

Positive experience: A little confusing to navigate inside but staff are all very friendly and kind. Facilities all seem clean and well maintained, too.

Positive experience: The "New", Sands Centre. Looks impressive, with new pool, cafe and bar etc. Parking is still a nightmare after a concert (we'll really the getting out of car park), but that can be said for any concert. The concert hall is still the same. The big difference is its cashless, everything is card payment. Staff are friendly and very helpful and the place is still a good venue for a small concert. Not used the new pool etc so cannot comment apart from say it looks very impressive.

Fantastic experience: Very nice staff. Lovely atmosphere The only downside ( if rather a large one) is that you can't use cash

Positive experience: I went in during the summer 2023.The Pool seemed a bit small to have a long swim out. You are required to book ticket online.It 's lovely and modern but felt very crowded.

Positive experience: The show was great However why your tickets were not checked at the main door instead of as you enter the auditorium (certainly causing a long queue upstairs only 1 staff on) I don't know. Again at the upstairs bar service could be improved more staff! and notices to say not taking cash, card payment only. I can say that the Brickyard on Wednesday had a far better system perhaps something to consider.

Fantastic experience: I went with my son (March 2023), first time I've been since its be redone and very impressed with it. Free parking in weekends.

Fantastic experience: Sands revamp looks really good, free parking if using the facilities remember to input your car registration details on their computer to avoid any fines. My daughter comes here for gymnastics, friendly staff clean facilities to.

Fantastic experience: I was here today with my 7 year old godson who is partially sighted, we went to see the ministry of science kids show, a absolutely wonderful member of staff, could not have been more helpful, enabling us to get seats to suit my godson, and checking with us on numerous occasions that the seats were suitable, absolute credit to the sands team, I didn't unfortunately manage to get his name, but just want to say thank you again

Fantastic experience: Great venue for some formidable acts. We went to see Ireland, The Show & it was amazing. Going back soon to see The Dubliners, can't wait.

Fantastic experience: Daniel O'Donnell the Irish singer go to hi concerts and some of the concert still I like country and western you never have many on I like comedians but for the younger generations I've seen the older generation I have loved at their jokes bringing a new breed of comedians Young Ones I do like you your gym and your swimming pool I see this plenty to do do there's no short of time I like the sands Centre you do need some heavy metal in their I do like that at even I'm old man now thank you you you are

Negative experience: Am annoyed to learn that with a life long condition which means I am a wheelchair user..I can now only access the Plus 1 concession (which enables the cost of 1 ticket to cover myself and my support )for 1 week at a time -Unless I am booking every up and coming show at once ( who on earth can afford that?) The likelihood is I will have to fill a form in each time, their turnaround also being 72 hrs to respond !

Fantastic experience: My favourite place to park in Carlisle. Always a space and not too expensive. Mind I don't mind a walk to the shops.

Fantastic experience: Great new 8 laned 25m deck level pool. Lots of public sessions with lane swimming (anti wave lane ropes make the water less choppy too) nice temperature too. Need to sort out the scanning in process which doesn't work. PS reception staff very friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: A night a the opera was wonderful especially as my granddaughter was on stage.

Negative experience: I am leaving a review to the leisure centre. It's a mix really, it's a good facility but from a 14 year old point of view (me) it's a 2 star experience on a good day. The staff obviously don't like us coming here, and they are banning us after 5pm which means I can't make it after school as I finish late. The personal trainers act like they own the place, asking you to get off machine and overall a pretty disrespectful experience. Hopefully it's improved.

Positive experience: Visited the Sands centre on Saturday to see Demon Dentist show was really good but my only complaint is all the stalls and refreshment areas would only accept card payments which meant I couldn't buy my granddaughter anything to eat or a program not everyone has a card and still rely on cash and I wasn't the only one with this problem.

Negative experience: Was looking forward in seeing Elvis tonight with my 2 friends but the seats we had didn't give us a good view of the stage the 3 of us have stiff necks it would be better if the curtains were pulled back on both sides :(

Fantastic experience: We were there for a Masters Swimming Comp, very clean and a lovely centre.

Positive experience: Only used the gym....can be v busy. Under 16s leave by 6pm. All new equipment & building. All is good!

Negative experience: Great facilities but the new electronic barriers are a danger. Don't allow 2 through together. Went through with my 4 year old daughter and ot closed on her knocking her to the floor. They shouldn't be in use if they don't work properly.

Positive experience: Lovely new pools Not sure about how the narrow lanes are set out and marked for different speeds of swimmers though. Overall .very good though.

Negative experience: Very disappointed! For a new building, why is the viewing area for the swimming pool closed? Came to watch my nephew swim, and had to watch him from the coffee shop table. Thought the food prices were rather on the expensive side also. What a shame, that something could have been so great, isn't.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time at the sand centre. Went to see Paul Smith great comedian plenty of laughs. Only down side is that the bars are too small, and trying to get served in the break was a nightmare. There was lots of pushing and shoving, gave up in the end, and didn't bother with a drink.

Positive experience: I went to watch my granddaughter swimming. It’s very nice and modern but squeezed in. Facilities certainly not improved and barely replaced. As for the auditorium facilities, I can’t comment. It seems a lot of money for something few people will appreciate.

Fantastic experience: Went to the new leisure centre. Very nice and clean. If you put your cars registration into the machine. You don't have to pay extra for the parking.

Positive experience: The sands centre itself is great but one thing let's it down. Whilst there is a show on. I really do not like the way the audience are allowed to wander in and out to the bar during a performance. Very off putting.

Fantastic experience: New facilities are amazing. Swimming pool area and gym hall. Not seen the gym yet. Will be using the theatre area in March but in previous years its always been good

Negative experience: >£27m and 4 years and the public swimming pool gallery is still not ready. Parents are currently unable to see their children swim which is of course very underwhelming considering the cost and wait for this flagship project to come through

Positive experience: Took my 3 Grandchildren to XMas Panto Alladin. They loved it. The only gripe I had was that there was far too much dry ice... we were coughing alot! Friendly helpful staff, v Comfy seats clean WCs.

Fantastic experience: Such helpful and lovely staff. It was so easy to find our way around.

Negative experience: Pound for pound the worst gym in Carlisle. And that takes some doing. Hopeful that the rebuild would prompt an adequate place for people to train, I was completely underwhelmed when visiting for the first time. If we ignore the rubbish opening times for just a moment and talk about the gym itself. The weights area (if it can be afforded that title) is cramped and under equipped and machines are very close together. Theres one bench press bench, no incline, no fixed barbells, limited dumbbells (a pair for each weight) 4 rowers and about 10 treadmills. There’s a 2m squared area in which to stretch so that’s nice and cosy for the people there. Most People that go are skanks and don’t wipe their kit down after use, which I should thank them for as I’ve always wanted ringworm, and staff, when they are there have perfected the “hands in pocket stare into space” approach. Just go and put the weights away or something. I’m sure the pool is great and the shows are amazing but the gym is the reason I go and for me it’s substandard at best. The fact that Sands have only acknowledged good reviews on here should tell you what you need to know about their confirmation bias regarding their service. Oh. Given two stars because at least the parking is free. Go to GymGroup, Bannatynes, Lifestyle, StrengthShack, Everlast or any other of the decent places to work out instead. Avoid the Sands if you’re mainly after using the gym. Unless you like all the things I have mentioned above.

Fantastic experience: Good place to catch a show. Easy to get to. A few nice places to eat nearby for before or after a show. Plenty of parking. Up to 1 Hour - £1.00 1 – 2 Hours - £2.30 2 – 3 Hours - £2.70 3 – 4 Hours - £3.20 All Day - £3.80 Early Bird (All Day) - Pay before 10.30am Monday to Friday - £2.80 Minibuses - £3.80

Positive experience: Decent enough venue with friendly staff. When we were there is was absolutely roasting hot, so was really uncomfortable watching a show. Also food and drink there can be a bit pricey.

Negative experience: Not overly keen on the changing facilities for the swimming pool. When taking your child to lessons they have to stand, once changed, in the changing room with approx 40 other children and parents waiting for the start of their lessons. This is while the general public are moving in and out knocking into kids while trying to get into cubicles and lockers.

Fantastic experience: Been to 2 events now and it's a much improved venue. Bar service is a little slow

Negative experience: Never have I experienced such a shambolic carry on. Sarah Millican was fab but only 1 door opened initially to empty the theatre, eventually a 2nd one.Soslow slow

Positive experience: It is a great venue and they've done a great job updating it but the actual hall itself needs an upgrade - the seats are a quite old and accessibility is not wonderful when going through these to get your seat. However I know this is hard to get with grants available! We are very lucky to have this place to access shows that tour across the country!!!

Positive experience: Went to see Sarah Millican, she was brill. The venue was well organised, little queue for toilets and bar but that's wherever you go

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym! I'm a physio patient here and also new to the area. The gym is spotless with the nicest equipment and machines I have ever seen. A lot of effort and money has gone into this place which makes it extremely desirable to sign up to.

Fantastic experience: Very clean, nice pool, lockers, showers, staff all very good. The only reservation is that it can get very busy in the swimming lanes, but if you choose your times it is a very good swim.

Negative experience: 27 million pounds doesn't seem to buy much. The new Sands Centre, is smaller, more expensive and badly laid out. The cafe is is very small, doesn't have much choice, and is expensive. The swimming pools are small and a bit expensive. The staff aren't really very well trained. No money seems to have been spent on the old hall. The biggest problem is the car park, it's like a building site. With out of date payment machines. It's smaller aswell. Only Carlisle City Council could spend nearly 30million of tax payer's cash and make something worse.

Fantastic experience: Went to see bowie experience it was brilliant worth every penny, a lot of effort into the performance

Fantastic experience: New swimming pool is excellent. This will be a great asset for Carlisle. Had a problem with my membership but this was soon sorted out by the very polite and helpful staff. Especially Margaret who pressed to complete button to activate my membership. Thank you.

Negative experience: Went to Michael Jackson concert which we were excited about as we purchased the tickets PRE-COVID and it had been cancelled 3 times. got front row tickets and couldn’t wait for out FIRST girly night together. The show began and one friend was dancing (already asked people behind us and they were ok) however a security woman came over and said ‘sit down, no dancing or your out’ Now we’re at a Michael Jackson tribute how can you not dance. Few others on the same row started dancing to the next “dancy song” so my said friend thought it was ok to follow suit, she got up to dance again and again said female security came over and told her to sit or she’d be out!!!!! I went over and spoke to the female security as she’d walked past at least 3 ladies dancing yo tell my friend. My friend went out the building totally upset and crying which spoilt the night and I spoke to reception person who apologised. That wouldn’t be bad but if there’s others dancing you should tell everyone to sit and not walk past dancers to tell one individual. All the girls behind us were disgusted at how my friend was victimised and bullied they way she was singled out when dancing. For the amount spent on this building upgrade they might consider putting staff through “how to treat customers” course. And iv had to click one star to be able to leave a review otherwise I wouldn’t rate it at all.

Negative experience: We will not be returning in a hurry . The seating is grubby and worn , the temperature inside was uncomfortably warm and the bars only take payment by card now . Paying for a bag of crisps with a card is just plain daft , the merchant charges will be as much as the purchase.

Positive experience: Attending for badminton tournament, floor in New Hall okay but viewing area pants. Old Hall floor poor again viewing not great. Ceiling leaked yesterday. Refreshments limited £2.50 for a cup of tea in paper cup far too expensive. But at least there are showers this year!

Fantastic experience: A newly refurbished centre with a brand new spots hall. Great venue for the Cumbrian Masters Badminton event. Thank you to all concerned. We were the first players in the new hall. Quite an honour. It is a fine modern leisure facility. Carlisle can be proud of it.