The JMAC Group has issued an official statement regarding the severe damage caused to a temporary roof at the Sands Centre in Carlisle during last week’s Storm Éowyn.

The structure, installed by JMAC, was severely impacted by the storm’s hurricane-force winds, which tore through the region on Friday, causing widespread disruption.

The directors of JMAC Group emphasised that, crucially, no injuries occurred during the incident. The company is now prioritising the safety and integrity of the site as it works in close collaboration with the client to remove the damaged roof and facilitate the reopening of the Sands Centre.

“Our priority as a board is to ensure the integrity and safety of the project,” JMAC stated. “We are working closely with the client to ensure the roof can be safely removed to allow for the reopening of the Sands Centre.”

JMAC has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with a commitment to uncovering the factors that led to the failure of the temporary roof structure.

According to the board, the company intends to share its findings with industry peers to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We are committed to conducting comprehensive investigations which have started today. We aim to share learnings with peers and our industry to prevent any reoccurrence of such incident,” the statement added.

The incident at the Sands Centre has prompted a broader discussion about the resilience and safety of temporary structures under extreme weather conditions. JMAC Group’s transparent approach and willingness to share insights have been met with support from across the construction and scaffolding industry.

JMAC concluded its statement by expressing appreciation for the understanding and support it has received from industry colleagues. It pledged to provide regular updates as the investigation progressed.

The Sands Centre remains closed while repair work is carried out, and further updates on its reopening are expected in the coming days.