The planning application for a new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre has been submitted by South of Scotland Enterprise.
The £13m centre in Innerleithen will be funded by the UK Government as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
It aims to allow Scottish, UK and international companies to develop products and services, or even train and test athletes, within the mountain biking and cycling sector. It will also host academics and research by Edinburgh Napier University across the cycling sector.
The application proposes to locate the centre at the former Caerlee Mill - which dates back to 1788 - re-purposing a historic building and working with the community to ensure it retains the area’s local industrial heritage.
It will be accompanied by up to £6m of UK Government support for a private sector partner to invest in and deliver Tweed Valley Bike Park and Trail Lab near Innerleithen.
The proposed centre is predicted to contribute £141m in Gross Value Added (GVA) and create more than 400 jobs in the South of Scotland over 10 years.
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is delivering the overall project, with support from partners Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Borders Council.
The project’s final business case for full funding will be presented to the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal Partnership board for approval later this year.
The growth deal is bringing up to £452m of new investment across the Borderlands region, including £265m from the UK Government and £85m from the Scottish Government.
SOSE chair Russel Griggs said: “This is another important step forward for the Mountain Innovation Bike Centre, following the purchase of Caerlee Mill earlier this year.
“We look forward to seeing how the planning application progresses in the coming months.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart added: “The creation of the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is really gathering momentum which will accelerate investment in businesses related to the sport and provide a big boost to the region's communities.”
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