Multi-million pound mountain bike centre approved

The new centre in Innerleithen should open its doors by 2027

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

It had initially been hoped that Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen - which dates back to 1788 - could be converted but severe structural issues and rising costs put an end to that proposal.

Now proposals to replace it with a new building have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

It is hoped demolition can begin next month with the centre ready to open its doors by 2027.

It had been hoped to convert Caerlee Mill but that proved to be too expensive

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has estimated the project - funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - could create more than 400 jobs in the region over 10 years.

The 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.

It will allow Scottish, UK and international companies to develop mountain biking and cycling products and services.

The project will be led by SOSE with support from Scottish Borders Council and Edinburgh Napier University.

Once opened it is hoped the centre can deliver hundreds of jobs

A safety warning has been issued ahead of work starting asking local people not to enter the Caerlee Mill site, with a series of additional safety measures added over the summer.

Russel Griggs, who chairs 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."

He said the new centre would bring "high quality jobs" and "maximise the value" of mountain biking in the area.

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."