DEMOLITION and enabling works are underway on the build of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre at the Caerlee Mill site in Innerleithen.
The main building at the Caerlee Mill site is being demolished to make way for the centre, with construction set to get underway in March 2026 and 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.
UK Government Scotland office minister, Kirsty McNeill, visited Innerleithen to mark the start of works. She said, “It’s great to see work is now underway on the Innerleithen Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.
“Part of our £65million contribution to Scottish projects in the Borderlands Growth Deal, this is the UK Government’s Plan for Change in action – working with local partners to deliver a decade of national renewal across Scotland.”
Russel Griggs OBE, chair of SOSE, added, “The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is going to be a flagship for active tourism, research & development and innovation.
“We are pleased that work is now underway to bring these exciting plans for Innerleithen, the Tweed Valley and the Scottish Borders to reality.
“We will work with our partners to ensure local residents and the mountain bike sector are kept fully up to date on the plans at the Caerlee Mill site.
“We will also use this time to build interest and excitement ahead of the Centre’s opening in 2027.”
