A north-east boxing club is looking forward to putting its members through their paces after securing a new home.
Inverurie Boxing Club last year lodged plans to take over a vacant unit at Midmill Business Park in Kintore and transform it into a dedicated boxing centre.
The club – which has members from Blackburn, Strathdon, Westhill, Kemnay, Alford and Turriff – currently operates out of Inverurie Academy’s gym hall, but was advised that the new community campus will be unable to accommodate them.
Yesterday, members of the Garioch area committee backed the group’s relocation plans and said it was “clear the successful club needs to find a new home.”
Councillors agreed that the venture would benefit the wider community and that it was suitable for the unit’s use to be changed from business to leisure.
Councillor Martin Ford said: “We approve numerous applications like this to change business units that would otherwise be lying empty into a non-business premises.
“This is the sensible thing to do and I have no issue with any congestion or appearance.”
Afterwards Sarah Addison, the secretary of the club, said: “Inverurie Boxing Club is delighted that local councillors have supported and passed our proposal for new premises in Kintore.
“This is fantastic news for a young local club. It will allow us to have an improved training schedule for all ages and abilities, giving us the opportunity to push all registered boxers and members to reach their desired goal, whether that be their own fitness or compete competitively.
“We are looking forward to setting up our new premises and be able to have a boxing ring up at all times. Not only will it benefit our club, but it will benefit Kintore and the wider communities having a designated boxing club in our local area.”
