Hants Constabulary has taken the first step towards a multi-million refurbishment of its headquarters in Romsey Road, Winchester.

Detailed costings and options for revamping the building will go before the police authority in the spring.

The long-discussed changes have the full backing of Chief Constable, Paul Kernaghan, who wants to make the building more suitable for the 21st century.

Michael Coombes, force director of finance, said it was a '60s building, not up to modern standards with regard to lighting. The windows leaked and the layout was not flexible for the computer world, where people sometimes had to be moved around. More electricity outlets were needed.

"A lot of work still needs to be done on costing the new plans and the refurbishment will be difficult to afford. We would have to find the money.

"We don't get government funding for specific projects. They give us an annual amount for capital works every year, we look at all the different things we have to spend money on and prioritise."

While Mr Coombes declined to disclose how much the refurbishment could cost, he said a totally new building would be far more expensive.

More detailed proposals were being drawn up to submit to the police authority and there would be continuing consultation with Winchester City Council planning department, the director of finance said.

The scheme would include a travel-to-work policy that would dovetail with the Winchester Movement and Access Plan to minimise the HQ's impact as a major employer on Romsey Road.