THE landmark rebuild of Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre could be scrapped.

Chelmsford Council is looking to put any big plans for the centre on hold, as council leader Roy Whitehead said developers wanted more than £30 million of council money to go ahead.

The massive project had looked at creating an Olympic-size ice rink for the town, as well as a new swimming pool and other facilities. About £619,000 of council money was put by for consultant fees.

Mr Whitehead said putting the plans on hold would be “frustrating”, but added the council would make sure the leisure centre was well kept.

He said: “They were asking for contributions from this council of more than £30 million, which still wouldn't have given us all the things we would have wanted to have.

“It's better than putting ourselves in hock and ending up in an unaffordable debt. That was something we were not going to do.

“It's a frustration in that we couldn't do what we wanted to do, but in the interim we're going to make sure it's in good condition and revamp the ice rink area.

“We're coming back and saying the only offers we have got are unaffordable for residents.”

Councillor Mike Mackrory, leader of the Lib Dem opposition, said: “I warned the Conservatives the project was fatally flawed. To demolish the centre, then rebuild and then build luxury apartment blocks was always going to be hugely costly.

“A great pity our views were not listened to with at least £750,000 of council tax payers money wasted on consultants’ fees.”

The council cabinet will vote on whether to shelve the plans next week.

In the meeting's agenda, it states: “It is recommended the competition for the comprehensive redevelopment of the facilities at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre be terminated, because the proposals submitted are not affordable.

“Cabinet recommend to council an additional sum of £685,000 is added to the capital programme to allow for essential maintenance for the leisure centre, to ensure it remains open.”