STUDIES into how to redevelop an underused games hall in East Oxford are being carried out.

But initial plans to turn East Oxford Games Hall, in Collins Street, into a four-storey block of up to 20 flats have been criticised by Oxford city councillors.

The centre, which is owned by the council, is "underused and well past its sell-by date", according to east area co-ordinator Fergus Lapage.

He said: "The building requires minor maintenance and as part of a review the east area committee has asked contractors to conduct a preliminary feasibility study into options."

A three-dimensional presentation of possible options of how the site could be developed was presented to a meeting of the east area committee on Wednesday, April 18.

Two different options, one for a three-storey structure and one for a four-storey building, were discussed.

But Mary-Jane Sareva, who represents the St Clement's ward on the council, said: "I was under the impression that if this was going to be developed there would be a new games hall built.

"This is the only city council facility of this type in East Oxford and if this goes ahead what's going to happen to the games hall?

"I just feel let down that it's going to be all flats."

She added: "It's used pretty well."

But Mr Lapage said: "Part of the brief will be to reprovide the equipment and exercise space either on this site or elsewhere.

"We could look at putting it onto the East Oxford Community Centre site and another consideration is the Zero Emissions Development planned for the Union Street car park. This has been incorporated into the brief."

Iffley Fields councillor David Williams said: "I think the idea of going to four storeys is out because it would dominate the whole of the quadrangle.

"I think it would be too overwhelming."

The committee's initial response has been passed on to contractors Ridge and Partners.