Aberdeen boxer Lee McAllister has lodged a bid for a disused north-east school as part of his grand plans to build a £10 million health and sports complex.
Last night the heavyweight world champion confirmed he has approached Aberdeen City Council to purchase the fire-hit Cordyce School in Dyce, which closed last year.
The 35-year-old’s scheme would be targeted towards disadvantaged people such as those with disabilities, recovering cancer patients, alcoholics and the homeless.
With a swimming pool, cafes, a gym and on-site accommodation, the boxer hopes the Assassin Health and Fitness Village would aid rehabilitation and give people a new lease of life.
Mr McAllister said: “It’s such a good project. It’s giving back to the community and helping people with disabilities and recovering cancer patients.
“We are not a big hotel chain or a gym franchise, we’re here purely for the people of the north-east.
“It’s exciting times ahead. We are just waiting on the go ahead to get the land and then it’s all systems go.”
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If the council approves the boxer’s bid for the site, he expects work could begin within a matter of months with at least part of the facility up and running by next summer.
Mr McAllister has revealed the project will initially require £8m, with the second stage costing a further £2m.
While he would not reveal how much has been raised so far, he said: “There’s a lot for us to do now.
“We’re looking for investors and people to help us fundraise.”
