LAND and buildings that are part of Oxford's community centres could be sold off to fund part of a major new improvement programme.

The move is being considered by council chiefs as they look at ways to overhaul a host of facilities – some of which have not seen significant work since the Second World War.

Christine Simm, executive board member for communities at Oxford City Council, said a new approach was needed to create new 'community hubs' where a range of local services could be based.

She said: "If you have a centre that needs improvement and is based on quite a large site, we need to ask if there is scope for selling some of it.

"There are a number of community centres in our city that were built after the Second World War and they are inevitably starting to face challenges.

"It is great to talk about how important these centres are to people, but we also have to actually look at how we can help the associations running them."

Her comments came after a plans were put forward for the future of East Oxford Community Centre.

The council suggested selling a community games hall in Collins Street and another building used by Film Oxford in Catherine Street to pay for its £2.9m proposals.

They include the refurbishment of existing buildings at the community centre in Princes Road and construction of a new two-storey building that could be used for a range of activities.

It is one of several projects the city council plans to take forward over the next four years, after the recent redevelopment of Rose Hill Community Centre.

About £3.6m will be spent on capital works up to 2020, including at East Oxford and Jericho, according to recently published budget proposals.

But Ms Simm said some projects could also be funded by selling council land.

She added: "We are not stopping with East Oxford and Rose Hill.

"If it is a centre that needs improvement and is based on quite a large site, we need to ask if there is scope for selling some of it.

"The other way is by multi-use. If you look at Rose Hill, we have the police, ambulance and other local services based there, which contribute to its viability.

"You might just come through the door to visit the library or health centre but then you can see there is a gym as well.

"The public and voluntary sector need to do more work together on this, because it is the only way it will work."

The council's draft budget is currently out for consultation.

To comment, visit oxford.gov.uk/budget