A planned new MTB Innovation Centre is on the cards for Innerliethen. It has hit a setback as the location earmarked was the former Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen. The site was purchased though by SOSE with planning permission secured in 2023 but has now been abandoned as not fit for purpose either economically or structurally.
"As we got further into looking at the mill building we discovered an awful lot of stuff that means it is either going to cost an awful lot more money or we are going to have to knock the building down."
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 Innovation Centre is predicted to contribute £141m in Gross Value Added (GVA) and create over 400 jobs in the South of Scotland over ten years.
We understand a new site is to be found ‘within months’. We shall watch with anticipation. Also, I am curious how much was sunk into the purchase of a building that was not fit for purpose.
So what is the intent of the Innovation Centre? Well, it 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 UK's leading mountain bike destination.
I am not sure what that means or looks if honest, but all investment in MTB is good. I had at first view thought it might be an uplift (remember that plan) or a visitor type centre for MTB rider use. Is anyone able to bring it to life for me?
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