South of Scotland on track to be crowned 'European capital of mountain biking' as innovation centre plans approved

Planning permission's being granted to renovate Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen to create a mountain bike innovation centre.

It's part of wider proposals to boost the sport in the Borders.

South of Scotland Enterprise reckons the centre will contribute £141 million to the economy and create more than 400 jobs over the next ten years.

SOSE Chair, Professor Russel Griggs, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this hugely exciting project for Innerleithen, the Tweed Valley and the South of Scotland.

“This represents an important milestone and we can now start on-site construction works to deliver a world class innovation centre, bringing jobs, opportunity and growth to Innerleithen and the surrounding area.”  

Together with the proposed Tweed Valley Bike Park and Trail Lab near Innerleithen, the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is described as a key development for the South of Scotland, and will be funded as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The UK Government is investing £19million into the project. This is part of its £265m investment in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, along with the Scottish Government investment of £85m in the Deal.

The overall project is being delivered by SOSE, alongside partners Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Councillor Scott Hamilton, SBC’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development, said: “The development of this world-leading facility in the South of Scotland, the home of the bike, is absolutely fantastic for the area and our economy.

“This builds on this area’s strengths and our existing reputation as a leading cycling destination, with some of the best mountain bike trails in the world, and will create a significant number of jobs and long term investment.”

SOSE completed the purchase of The Caerlee Mill site last year and have been working with partners to secure planning permission for the change of use and building renovation.

Hub South East Scotland have been appointed as delivery partner and Morrison Construction will undertake all building works.

Preparation works to ensure the site is safe and secure will take place in the coming weeks, ahead of full works beginning this summer.

Eileen MacKin, Hub South East’s Project Director, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this innovative project which sees the renovation of Caerlee Mill, establishing it as pioneering and sector leading within the mountain biking sector, just as it once was within the textile industry.

“Achieving planning permission is a key milestone for the development and we look forward to working with our partners and contractor, Morrison Construction, to make these exciting plans a reality.”

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The Innovation Centre will allow Scottish, UK and international companies to develop innovative products and services, or even train and test athletes within the mountain biking and cycling sector. It will also offer a place for businesses to showcase their products in the heart of the UKs leading mountain bike destination.

In addition, the renovation of the listed Caerlee Mill for commercial use will help preserve an important building for the local community and for Scotland’s industrial heritage.

A target for the South of Scotland is to become mountain biking’s European capital, with Glentress Forest being one of the hosts for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships this summer.

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Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Principal of Research & Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are excited by the opportunities the new centre will bring, and welcome the prospect of construction getting underway.

“This is a positive step towards a facility which will offer a strong platform for research across a wide range of academic fields – allowing us to build on the ground-breaking work already taking place at the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland.

“We look forward to continuing Edinburgh Napier University’s commitment to supporting bike innovation during what will be a significant year for cycling in Scotland.”

Any businesses interested in finding out more about the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre should contact SOSE via www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us 

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