Innerleithen Mountain Bike Centre inches forward with plot investment

The Scottish Borders Council has announced the moving forwards of the long-awaited Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, to be based in Innerleithen.

Terms were last week agreed on the purchase of Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen, which will now serve as the home for the new Mountain Bike Centre. This facility will be flanked by the Tweed Valley Bike Park and Trail Lab. All of these will aim to operate as ‘Net Zero’ facilities.

The objective of the building will be to house companies, both domestic and international, in their research and development phases as they progress with ideas for goods and services, as well as train and test with athletes on site.

The centre will also offer the chance to showcase goods to visitors at what is already a popular destination for cycle tourism. Among other events, the Enduro World Series now passes through the area.

Plans are now moving into place to renovate the building, with planning applications expected to be submitted in the Spring. The business case for full funding will latterly be presented to  the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Partnership Board for approval this year.

Councillor Mark Rowley, Leader of the Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board member said: “The purchase of Caerlee Mill for the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is an important milestone. It means we can now move ahead with our exciting plans to build on the already well-established reputation of the Tweed Valley as one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations.

“This project also supports one of our core strategic themes for the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, of supporting business, innovation and skills across the region, which will in turn stimulate business growth and create a more diverse regional economy.”

The investment in the plot has been part funded by the UK Government to the tune of £19 million, which comes as part of a broader £265 million package allocated to the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Furthermore, the Scottish Government has added £85 million in funding to these initiatives.

As far as return on investment goes, the projections within the plan suggest a £141m in Gross Value Added contribution to the economy and will also create over 400 jobs in the South of Scotland over ten years.

The UK Government is also delivering support to Scottish Cycling via its Community Renewal Fund. Via this backing the recruitment of a pair of staff to deliver trail maintenance schools to young people will take place.

Delivery of the project is now the task of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), with support from partners Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart added: “This is a significant milestone for creating the world’s first Mountain Bike Innovation Centre which will strengthen the Borderlands’ reputation as a superb location for the sport.

“Many people visit the region every year for its stunning scenery, rich history, and wealth of outdoor activities.  The UK Government are investing £265m through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to build on these strengths, improve connectivity and create jobs and growth.”