Demolition of Historic Mill Planned for New Bike Centre

Plans are in place for the demolition of a historic mill located in the Borders region, with the intention of constructing a new £19 million mountain bike innovation centre on its site. Initial aspirations involved converting Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen; however, structural problems discovered within the edifice led to a substantial increase in the estimated expenses. Consequently, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has formulated alternative plans to dismantle the existing property and erect the new facility in its place. Should the demolition receive approval, the project, which is anticipated to generate hundreds of employment opportunities, is projected for completion by 2027. This mountain bike centre, a collaborative effort by SOSE with backing from Scottish Borders Council and Napier University, represents a key initiative of the Borderlands Growth Deal. Forecasts indicate it will contribute over £100 million to the local economy and establish more than 400 jobs within the coming decade. The mill site was designated for this purpose following its acquisition by SOSE and the subsequent securing of planning permission for the building’s redevelopment. Nevertheless, the excessive expense associated with that particular project led to its abandonment, and, subsequent to several consultation meetings, revised proposals for the building’s demolition and replacement have been put forward. Should consent be granted to dismantle the primary structure, a fresh application for the innovation centre would be lodged next year. Prof Russel Griggs, the chair of SOSE, stated that the community had unequivocally expressed its desire for the project to remain in Innerleithen and for a “positive solution” to be identified for the mill site. He added that the updated proposals had the potential to “tick both of these requests”. Euan Jardine, who serves as the leader of Scottish Borders Council and a Borderlands Partnership Board member, acknowledged that it was “undoubtedly disappointing” that the initial plans could not advance. He affirmed, however, that an “internationally significant facility” could still be delivered within the allocated budget. Alexander Brodie constructed Caerlee Mill in 1788, with subsequent additions made throughout its history. Recognized by Historic Environment Scotland as “highly significant” for marking the commencement of industrialization in the region, it stood as the Borders’ inaugural water-powered textile mill. The mill’s prosperity resulted in a substantial population surge locally, rising from 463 in 1841 to 2,313 by 1881, and at its zenith, it provided employment for approximately 400 individuals. Nevertheless, in common with numerous other textile enterprises, it faced difficulties in recent decades, culminating in over 100 employees losing their positions in 2010 when JJ & HB, previously known as Ballantyne Cashmere, entered administration. While a management takeover initially preserved the site, it ultimately ceased operations permanently in 2013, at which point it held the distinction of being Scotland’s longest continuously operating textile mill. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.