Granite City boxer Lee McAllister has unveiled his vision for an £8million health and sporting complex for disadvantaged people.
The 35-year-old yesterday revealed his plans for the 26-acre site, which would be likely built along the route of the AWPR.
The Aberdeen Assassin is seeking advice from some of the north-east’s sporting stars and charities to ensure the project is a knock-out.
Gold medallist Neil Fachie, former Dons and Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton, golfer Paul Lawrie and former wrestler and city council social work convener Len Ironside have all been consulted, along with Clan cancer support, Befriend a Child and the Aberdeen FC Community Trust.
Mr McAllister visualises the complex would include a swimming pool, cafes, restaurants, football pitches, accommodation and a gym.
It would be particularly targeted at the likes of young people, recovering cancer patients, disabled people, veterans and drug addicts, alcoholics and the homeless.
Mr McAllister has registered the Assassin Health and Fitness Village with Companies House and said an official planning application was being prepared.
But he remained tight-lipped about the amount of money raised so far or the potential location of the site – saying that plans were still being prepared by lawyers.
He said: “We are looking to put back into the community. We are looking at £8million in the first three years and £10million over five years.
“We do have a location in mind but legally I can’t tell you at this moment in time.
“I got the idea when I was in the Inversnecky cafe and there was a young gentleman in there with two of his carers and there was a group kids there about 14 or 15 all sat there laughing and pointing and joking.
“I wasn’t very happy about it so I told them to shut up and get a grip, it hit me that there are a lot of carers and people out there… and there is nothing for them to do.
“There is nothing like this in the UK, there is nothing like this in the world.”
Australian social worker Sophie Zammit has signed up as Mr McAllister’s business partner for the venture.
