THE long-awaited redevelopment of York's Barbican Centre has been delayed again.

But operators Absolute Leisure said today that the revamp was now "imminent," and it was working flat-out with contractors to ensure the leisure centre becomes a top showcase for York.

The company, which acquired the complex from City of York Council, has suffered a series of setbacks over recent years in its plans to carry out a multi-million pound refurbishment of the auditorium, and also to construct new bars and restaurants at the front.

There were initially lengthy planning, legal and licensing hurdles to clear as the Save Our Barbican (SOB) group fought a campaign against the loss of sporting facilities and the extension of night-time leisure facilities.

Work was then due to start early last year and then later on in 2007. It was then scheduled to start on December 3, after a Community Carol Concert was staged there, but nothing happened.

Absolute Leisure boss Tony Knox said then that the centre would be boarded off from January 3 after contractors returned from their Christmas break.

He said preparatory work had already started, and the multi-million pound project should be completed by the end of the summer.

"Everything will be open together, for events, bars and restaurants, by late summer, " he said.

However, no boarding has appeared around the building and there is still no sign of work going on.

Last year's delays caused the Barbican to lose the right to host the 2007 UK Snooker tournament, which had been held there for several years. Then the organiser of the Miss England beauty contest revealed last autumn that, while the centre would have been ideal to host this summer's contest, she could not be absolutely sure it would be available and so she was choosing a top London hotel instead.

Mr Knox today sought to deny there was a hold-up, saying: "Full contract documents are with City of York Council.

"Absolute Leisure is working flat out with all the various contractors and sub-contractors to make sure that the Barbican will be a great showcase for York."