INNERLEITHEN’S Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is on track to open at the end of 2024, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Edward Shoote told a meeting.

Speaking at Innerleithen and District Community Council (IDCC) Mr Shoote said the planning application, by architects Oberlanders, for conversion of the Category B listed Caerlee Mill is expected to be a “delegated” decision set for approval in mid-February.

Mr Shoote said: “Builders have been on site to start the clean-up operation and they hope to do advance works in early summer.

“Construction is due to start in the autumn and completion is expected by December 2024.

“There will be quite an urban industrial feel to the building, with all ducting on display and a painted black steel floor.”

Mr Shoote added it is expected that Edinburgh Napier University will have an engineering school in the centre, there will be lab space, a café and office space.

He showed IDCC members photo representations, which are submitted with the planning application, of how the interior may look.