PLANS to modernise a community centre off Cowley Road in Oxford are about to go on show to the public.

From Friday, people will be asked for their views on a range of options for East Oxford Community Centre.

A year ago East Oxford Community Association was forced to hand over management of the centre in Princes Street to the city council which then started £15,000 of refurbishment work.

Now the council, which owns the centre, will consult the public on the results of a feasibility study to improve and modernise the building.

There will be an exhibition on the options being considered on Friday and Saturday at the centre and a consultation will then run until October 28.

Green city councillor for St Mary's Dick Wolff said the centre was on council's heritage asset register and the proposals being put forward did not involved demolition.

He added: "The centre has badly needed a boost for some time - lots of community groups use it there is lots of positive enthusiasm around about how it could be improved.

"The options have not yet been finalised so people need to come along and have a look and give their views."

Mr Wolff said options for the site could cost between £500,000 and £2.5m.

He added: "One possible option is the East Oxford Games Hall in Collins Street could be sold to help finance the refurbishment.

"It has also been suggested that land at the back of the community centre could be sold to bring in more money, and that there could be a local fundraising drive to help pay for improvements."

Mr Wolff said some residents might get "hot under the collar" about some options but urged them to attend the exhibition and take part in the consultation.

The city councillor said the community centre had been designated a 'tier one' facility by the council, meaning it could have a variety of different functions, including hosting health services.

When the council took over the running of the centre last year work, initial work included decorating the upper hall, improving the noticeboards, painting the front fire doors, replacing the back gate and bar door, and installing new hand dryers and soap dispensers.

The centre also was given a makeover when designer Annie Sloan teamed up with volunteers to brighten the hub earlier this year.

More than 50 people turned up to join Ms Sloan, who has a paint shop in Cowley Road, as she redecorated the centre's lounge as part of celebrations to mark 25 years of her brand.

The lounge is used for meeting, parties, community events, film screenings, youth clubs and an over-50s drop-in.