YORK'S new leaders say they have had a "positive" first meeting with the developers who are hoping to transform the city's Barbican Centre.

The Liberal Democrat leader of City of York Council, Coun Steve Galloway, said following his party's recent local election victory that he would urge the consortium Barbican Venture to revise its proposals for the centre.

Barbican Venture's plans for the site include a £2.5 million refurbishment of the 1,500-seat auditorium, a new £5.5 million county standard swimming pool, and possibly two hotels and a casino.

Updated: 10:07 Monday, May 26, 2003