MORRISON Construction will lead the build of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in Innerleithen, should recently submitted plans be approved, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has announced.
The organisation, with support from Scottish Borders Council and Edinburgh Napier University, is behind the plans, with Hub South East set to deliver the project.
The centre would include bike engineering workshop spaces, brand experience units, event spaces, offices, meeting rooms, and teaching spaces, with it tipped to support Scottish, UK, and international innovators to develop mountain bike products and services.
If approved, its delivery would be funded by a £19 million investment from the UK Government as part of the Borderlands inclusive growth deal, with SOSE adding that the proposed facility is predicted to contribute £138 million in gross value added to the Borders over ten years, as well as creating over 400 jobs in that time.
The planning application was submitted after approval to demolish the main building on the Caerlee Mill site was achieved in April 2025, with the proposed new centre to take its place.
Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE, said, “This is another important step forward for the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre project. If planning permission is received, the new facility will allow high value jobs to come to the South of Scotland, maximising the value of mountain biking to the area by getting more products and services designed and made here.
“The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is also a key project for the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy, which aims to ensure the region becomes one of the world’s leading cycling destinations.”
UK Government Scotland office minister, Kirsty McNeill, added, “I welcome this major step forward towards the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in Innerleithen opening for business, bringing jobs and investment to the region and attracting riders from across the country and beyond to a world-class facility. The UK Government is supporting the project with £19 million investment as part of our £65 million contribution to Scottish projects in the Borderlands Growth Deal.”
Professor Nazira Karodia, deputy vice chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, commented, “The new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre will offer a host of opportunities to make a positive difference to the Scottish cycling sector. We are pleased to see this latest step in its journey. Edinburgh Napier University has a strong track record of cycling research, innovation and collaboration, and this facility will significantly enhance our capability in these areas. We will continue to work closely with partners to help deliver a leading centre.”
