The future of all Winchester City Council offices is up for discussion in a new study.

Civic chiefs are to consider making sweeping changes by selling off its five main offices and building a new headquarters.

A report to cabinet estimated the value of the five offices, in Colebrook Street, Chesil Street, Middle Brook Street, and Hyde Street, at about £9 million.

Tony Langridge, chief estates officer, said the cost of building a new HQ would be around the same. "We have office accommodation that is not suitable for future requirements.

"This is a large project that will take four-six years, but unless we start now, we will never get to the end of it."

Among the increasing problems are: poor access for disabled people, poor energy efficiency; operation inefficiency; maintenance problems.

Winchester Conservatives earlier this year suggested a sell-off of the Colebrook Street offices and relocation of the offices to a cheaper base outside the city.

The cabinet agreed to appoint consultants to prepare a stage one feasibility report. The report said the most valuable council-owned site was the 13-year-old Avalon House, in Chesil Street, estimated to be worth £3.5m.

The 1960s offices in Colebrook Street are valued at £2.6 m. Abbey Mill is estimated at £1m and Hyde House at £1.25m.