DEMOLITION work is set to begin in Innerleithen ahead of the £19 million build of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.
The main building at the Caerlee Mill site will be demolished to make way for the centre, with construction set to get underway in March 2026 with the facility aimed to open in 2027.
Hub South East Scotland is delivering the project on behalf of South East Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), with Morrison Construction undertaking all building works as main contractor. The Scottish Borders Council and Edinburgh Napier University are supporting the project.
The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is predicted to contribute £138 million in gross value added and create over 400 jobs in the Scottish Borders over ten years. The centre will offer a place for businesses – both local and international – to showcase their innovative products in the heart of the UK’s leading mountain bike destination.
Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE, said, “With planning permission and a proposed timetable now available, the local community and mountain bike industry can now start to see how our plans are going to become reality. We know it has not been a straightforward process, and we thank local people, the mountain bike sector and partners for their patience and support.
“SOSE, with support of partners, will now press ahead to create the new facility, which will allow high value jobs to come to the South of Scotland and maximise the value of mountain biking to the area by getting more products and services designed and made here.”
The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre will be funded by a £19 million investment from the UK Government as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, including £4 million to be allocated towards the Tweed Valley Adventure Bike Park and Trail Lab.
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 £19million investment as part of our £65 million contribution to Scottish projects in the Borderlands Growth Deal.
“In all, the UK Government is investing £1.7billion in dozens of important local growth projects and programmes across Scotland over the next 10 years. Working with partners, we will deliver a decade of national renewal in our plan for change.”
