Six groups are keen to restore and open Muhammad Ali Centre in Hockley.
The Muhammad Ali centre has been a target of vandalism and arson attacks since it closed more than a decade ago.
But now, six organisations have offered to resurrect the derelict building, which was opened by the sporting icon in 1983.
The community groups, who have not been named, have asked to draw up plans for the restoration and running of the centre inIcknield Streetin Hockley.
The premises were close to being demolished four years ago, when the council claimed that it would be too costly to restore.
Leisure department officials outlined a business plan to the groups during a meeting at the Summerfield Centre in Winson Green.
City leisure boss Coun Martin Mullaney told reporters, “I know how special this site is to the community and I have always been keen to return it to community use.
“We’ve stressed all along that any plan for the centre must be robust and viable. That remains the case but I am encouraged by the level of interest in this site.”
Officials are eager to reach an agreement quickly and believe that they may secure an asset transfer that will enable the centre to be re-opened.
Nicknamed ‘The Greatest’, Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches, including three with rival Joe Frazier.
