The Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, to be built in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, will receive £15.5 million from the UK Government through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the development of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre and Trail Lab.
The funding aims to boost the region’s cycling industry and deliver long-term economic impact.
Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council and a member of the Borderlands Partnership Board, 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.”
Construction on the centre is expected to begin in spring 2026, with the facility planned to open in 2027.
The centre is forecast to generate £86 million in gross value added and create more than 225 jobs across the south of Scotland over the next decade.
There is also potential for further UK Government funding for the nearby Tweed Valley Adventure Bike Park, which would add further value to the project.
Led by South of Scotland Enterprise in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Borders Council, the centre will feature a range of facilities designed to support cycling innovation and business growth.
These include bike engineering workshops, brand experience units, events space, offices, innovative lab facilities, and teaching areas.
The centre will be tailored to meet the needs of both local and international cycling businesses.
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 Innovation Centre is a key element of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, which was signed in 2021.
The deal brings together up to £350 million in government funding and up to £100 million in match funding to support projects across five local authority areas on both sides of the Scotland–England border.
The centre is intended to support a broader vision for economic diversification and resilience in the region.
It will work alongside other projects geared towards business growth, innovation, and skills development, such as Dairy Nexus and the development of new business units in Coldstream.
Supporters say the centre will help cement the Scottish Borders as a global leader in cycling innovation.
They hope investment in the centre, and the industry it will support, will attract further business growth, talent, and high-value employment opportunities in the years to come.