Overage Hawkins-class cruisers could become anti-aircraft ships

Would Britain replace or retain the Hawkins-class cruisers if war had not begun in 1939?

It would replace them as heavy cruisers but probably retain and convert the overage hulls for anti-aircraft work.

The Royal Navy would prioritize replacing its remaining C-, D-, and E-class cruisers as newer construction became available. Hawkins-class ships were also overage, which meant they no longer consumed active treaty tonnage in the same way as new cruisers. That made retention for a secondary role attractive. Their heavy-cruiser function could pass to newer ships while the old hulls became anti-aircraft cruisers, potentially with 5.25-inch weapons. Treaty accounting can extend a hull's life in a completely different mission.