The Borderlands Partnership Board has approved £15.5 million of UK Government investment through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the development of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre and Trail Lab in the Scottish Borders.
Construction on the main building in Innerleithen is set to begin in spring 2026, and its opening is expected for 2027. This marks a major milestone in the Deal’s programme to drive innovation, skills and sustainable economic growth across the region.
The Innovation Centre is projected to generate £86 million in Gross Value Added and over 225 jobs in the South of Scotland over ten years, with a potential additional of UK Government funding for the Tweed Valley Adventure Bike Park, which would add significant benefits.
Led by South of Scotland Enterprise and in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Borders Council, facilities will feature bike engineering workshops, brand experience units, events space, offices, innovative lab facilities, and teaching areas to support local and international cycling businesses.
Cllr Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board member, said: “The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is a great example of how the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is translating investment into long term economic impact.
“Through the Deal’s funding, we are looking not only to create a global hub for innovation, research and enterprise rooted in the Borders, but also help to attract talent, support new businesses and grow skilled jobs.
“This development, alongside our Events Strategy and commitment to bringing world-class events to the area, will further reinforce the region’s reputation as a world-leading destination for mountain biking.”
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “It’s great news that main construction works can now get underway on the Innerleithen Mountain Bike Innovation Centre. Opening for business in 2027, the full project – backed by £19 million UK Government funding – is bringing jobs and investment to the region and will attract riders from across the country and beyond to a world class facility. Part of our £65 million contribution to Scottish projects in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, this is the UK Government working with local partners to deliver a decade of national renewal across Scotland.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “This approval allows us to kickstart the build of the new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.
“The centre will be a flagship for research, development and innovation, and transform the economic and social opportunities in the area.
“Work will begin at pace with partners to make sure the Centre can provide the solutions and services the industry and region want.”
The Mountain Bike Centre is a key project within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and is expected to receive a total of £19 million in UK Government funding.
Signed in 2021, with funding from both the Scottish and UK Governments, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is bringing up to £350m of Government funding and up to £100m of match funding to the region, to support a wide range of projects across the five local authority areas on both sides of the border. The Centre will contribute to building a more diverse and resilient regional economy alongside other initiatives supporting business, innovation, and skills, such as Dairy Nexus and new business units in Coldstream.
