A RADICAL new blueprint for the future of York's flagship leisure facility, the Barbican Centre, was unveiled today.

Swimming in York would receive a major boost from the plans, as an extra £1.4 million raised in capital receipts from the sale of the centre would be put towards refurbishing the Yearsley and Edmund Wilson pools.

Parents and fitness enthusiasts would also benefit, as the proposals would see the Barbican's play and fitness areas retained.

But, to allow the extra capital to be raised, the proposed eight-lane county standard swimming pool would have to be downgraded to a six-lane community pool.

The length of the community pool would be 25 metres, the same as the Barbican pool is now.

The cost of refurbishing the Edmund Wilson and Yearsley pools is expected to be about £2.6 million each.

If the proposals are approved, work could start on the auditorium early next year.

The plans will shortly go before senior councillors then go out to public consultation early next month.

The other main points are:

lThe number of new homes built at the Barbican would be raised to about 180 - from the previously proposed 160 - with 40 expected to be affordable

lThe sports hall at the rear of the Barbican would be retained and used for a conference hall and UK snooker championships practice area

lThere would be a refurbished auditorium.

lA casino would be built above the sports hall, if a gaming licence is granted

lA budget hotel would be built.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said today: "We did not believe the £3 million capital receipts that would have been raised under the previous proposals was sufficient.

"We wanted to see the fitness and play areas retained and maximise the amount of housing provided in any development to minimise impact on the green belt.

"Barbican Venture have been very flexible and helpful in producing another scheme which we believe is excellent news for leisure in York. We will now put it before the people of York to consider."

Barbican Venture remain the preferred developer.

Dot Nicholson, vice-chairman of the Barbican Action Group, welcomed the proposals.

"We are glad the pool is being saved. The plans before the local elections were a bit of a hotchpotch. It seemed as though they hadn't been thought through properly."

Fiona Evans, of the Yearsley Pool Action Group, said: "We would be delighted to see the pool refurbished under these proposals, as long as people who use the Barbican are satisfied with the proposals for that centre."

Updated: 10:41 Friday, June 20, 2003