The Parkhill Garden Centre and champion fighter Lee McAllister are locked in a battle over who will take over the site. The former school building was set on fire by teenagers last November.

Mr McAllister – known to many fans as the Aberdeen Assassin – wants to use the site for his £10 million vision for a fitness complex that would help the rehabilitation of people with disabilities, cancer, alcoholism or who are homeless.

Proposals for the site include a multi-purpose gym and a pool.

However the garden centre has submitted an offer to purchase the building and relocate its operation citing issues with the new AWPR route as the reason behind the possible move.

The businesses plans also include the addition of free community allotments, a horticultural classroom for groups and schools, a children’s play area and a farmer’s market.

Gordon McGillivray, joint owner of Parkhill Garden Centre, said: “We have put in an offer for the former Cordyce School site.

“Parkhill is already a popular venue used as a meeting place for local people and businesses.

“It would be even more accessible at Cordyce for those who walk or are dependent on public transport.

“The previous B977 Dyce to Balmedie road was there when our nursery business moved in 1984 from Allenvale to its present site.

“Prior to the AWPR the original road was on the same level as the garden centre, there was a forest at the opposite side of the road and our own tree shelter belt at our side of the road.

“This gave complete protection from the prevailing winter winds from the west.”

Now housing developer First Endeavour LLP has thrown its weight behind the garden centre by promising up to £20 million of investment.

As part of the proposed scheme, the garden centre would be joined by a medical centre, a care home, and around 60 homes, which are envisaged as three or four bedroom bungalows.

A spokesman said: “We are looking at maybe £20 million of investment here in facilities that are needed in the area.

“We have a proven track record of delivering projects in the north-east and won’t require any public money to be spend on our development.”

The ‘Aberdeen Assassin’ said: “If we win the bid and they are willing to work together we’d be more than happy to work alongside them.”