A PROMINENT local boxer and boxing coach is set to be permanently remembered by having a street named after him in a new housing development in Greenock.

Councillors are to be asked this week to approve a plan to name a street at the former Greenock Health Centre site ‘George Dougan Place’.

Mr Dougan volunteered for more than 50 years and was a well respected figure in the world of Scottish boxing.

Work began at the site on Duncan Street earlier this month.Work began at the site on Duncan Street earlier this month. (Image: Sanctuary Homes) Sixty-five new homes are planned for the site, off Duncan Street, where work began earlier this month.

A report to go before members of Inverclyde Council’s environment and regeneration committee this week describes Mr Dougan as “a significant positive figure in the lives of many young boxers”.

It adds: “He did his national service with the British army and boxed for the army.

“He worked hard all his days to provide for his family, mainly as a ships carpenter within the shipyards.

READ MORE: Sanctuary Scotland starts work at new housing development in Greenock

“He was the energy behind Mid Hill Amateur Boxing Clubs, which had previously been located on the site of the development.”

Mr Dougan took part in two professional fights during his career, against Arthur Hatt in March 1954 and Alan Sillett in November of the same year.

The report reveals that Mr Dougan’s widow has been contacted by local councillor Graeme Brooks and has given her blessing to the idea.

Councillors have proposed naming the new street George Dougan Place.Councillors have proposed naming the new street George Dougan Place. (Image: Inverclyde Council) Sanctuary Scotland is working alongside Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council on a development of one, two and three-bed flats and houses, all of which will be available for social rent.

The report states that the other suggestion for the street was to name it after novelist and social commentator John Galt, who died in Greenock and is buried nearby.

The project, which is supported by a £6.9 million grant from the Scottish Government, is expected to take around 18 months to deliver.

It is hoped the first homes will be complete by early spring of 2026.

Four of the flats at the site have been designed to accommodate people with accessibility needs.

The development will be Sanctuary Scotland’s fifth newbuild scheme in Inverclyde.