Skip to content

Revised plans for mountain bike centre revealed

SOSE An artist's impression of the mountain bike hub with a big brick building under blue skiesSOSE
A new building is being proposed on the site of the old mill

Revised plans for a multi-million pound mountain bike innovation centre in the Borders have been unveiled.

It had initially been hoped that Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen could be converted but severe structural issues and rising costs put an end to that proposal.

Instead, plans to demolish the building - which dates back to 1788 - have been agreed and approval will be sought for a new structure to replace it.

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) said the project could create more than 400 jobs in the region over 10 years.

SOSE An old mill in the Borders views from above with a chimney rising into the sky and a white mill building in the backgroundSOSE
Initial plans to convert the former mill were dropped due to rising costs

The old mill is one of the oldest industrial buildings in Scotland but ultimately proved too costly to convert.

Instead, the £19m project will see a new centre built where it once stood.

If approved it would allow Scottish, UK and international companies to develop mountain biking and cycling products and services.

The scheme will be funded by the UK government as port of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

SOSE Another view of how the mountain bike centre might look with a brick building next to the old chimney from the millSOSE
It is hoped the new mountain bike centre could create hundreds of jobs

The project will also host academics and research by Edinburgh Napier University across the cycling sector.

It would include bike engineering workshop space, brand experience units, events space, offices, meeting rooms and teaching space.

Russel Griggs, who chairs 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."

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."