THE way Winchester civic chiefs are approaching three major multi-million pound schemes has been branded “madness” by a city councillor.

The city council is considering redeveloping the River Park Leisure Centre, the Station Approach area and its own headquarters in Colebrook Street.

But Cllr Malcolm Wright was unhappy about delays to the council’s medium term financial strategy.

The Conservative councillor told the overview and scrutiny committee on Monday that developing ideas “without any reference whether the council can afford them is absolute madness.”

Cllr Kelsie Learney, Lib Dem group leader, said: “I worry about the fact we have big projects with apparently a finger stuck in the air as to how much they might cost.

“We are spending tens of thousands of pounds on consultants and must have some idea about affordability before spending taxpayers’ money?”

Council chief executive Simon Eden said more specific plans and business cases would be drawn up by next spring.

The council has earmarked £4.2m for the refurbishment of the leisure centre. A report on the options for the centre is due soon.

Two pressure groups are battling their corner with Save the Rec campaigning against any building on the green space and Fit for the Future arguing for a new centre on playing fields at Bar End.

On the redevelopment of the deteriorating City Offices, £570,000 has been set aside for essential maintenance over the next two years.

Headquarters options include relocating elsewhere in the city centre, complete refurbishment of the existing 1970s building and extending the Guildhall. A report is due before Christmas.

At Station Approach, the area in the railway station-Andover Road area the council is thinking about a major scheme for offices of around 16,000 square metres.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey said he is “optimistic” the Environment Agency will approve plans for a mini-hydro scheme underneath Abbey Mill.

The council is also putting aside £6 million for an enterprise centre managed workspace, which would be similar to the Basepoint project at Winnall and would support new small businesses.

Andy Hickman, assistant director for policy and planning, said the project is still at the feasibility stage, and therefore the budget allocation is a nominal figure.

Winchester Cathedral roof repairs have been accounted for, at a cost of £50,000, as well as an extension to Magdalen Hill Cemetery (£135,000), Hampshire Community Bank (£250,000) and open space and recreation facilities (£324,000).