COUNCIL chiefs are staying tight-lipped over proposals which could decide the future of York's Barbican Centre.

The centre, the public toilets and the car park in Kent Street were advertised for sale a month ago, and the deadline for bids passed yesterday.

City of York Council confirmed there had been "a lot of interest" from developers, but has refused to reveal the number of bidders or the general nature of the bids.

Councillor Alan Jones, the authority's executive member for leisure and heritage, said: "It is too early to discuss the bids in detail, but we are certainly encouraged by the response we have received.

"We are going to look at how each addresses our requirements. Once we have made initial assessments, we will be able to determine those companies that councillors will want to have further detailed discussions with.

"Proposals will need to satisfy the clear criteria we have laid down in terms of securing swimming and other leisure activities."

Updated: 15:30 Tuesday, August 07, 2001