The Campus is being delivered is partnership with Edinburgh Napier University
Excellent progress is being made on the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus - a world-class facility where businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders will come together to shape the future of cycling.
The building works for the Innerleithen-based Campus are now expected to be completed ahead of the Tour de France's arrival in the Scottish Borders next summer, and will provide a physical home for the ambitious new partnership Bike Innovation Scotland.
The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and Trail Lab are supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, through an investment of £15.5million from the UK Government.
Caerlee Mill Bike Campus update
Work is nearly completed on the structure of the main Campus building, with focus turning to the internal spaces.
The next phase will see completion of the brickwork and roofing, alongside further internal finishing.
The Campus is being delivered by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) with support from Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Borders Council (SBC).
Hub South East Scotland is the delivery partner, with Morrison Construction the main contractor.
There has been engagement with local community through visits by St Ronan’s Primary School pupils to find out more about the project, alongside continued neighbour newsletters and donations of building materials to the town’s community garden.
There have also been artwork competitions for both an external heritage installation and large internal mural celebrating the local area.
Together this will help shape the new Campus, which is offering leases for flexible business units, short term rentable collaboration spaces, specialist testing facilities and innovation support services, creating a vibrant hub for local, Scottish, UK and international cycling businesses.
Over the next decade, the project is projected to generate £86m in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support more than 225 jobs across the South of Scotland, delivering long-term economic benefits while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities.
Bike Innovation Scotland update
Edinburgh Napier University and South of Scotland Enterprise launched Bike Innovation Scotland in July 2026.
Bike Innovation Scotland is the national-facing innovation and delivery brand, connecting industry, academia and public sector partners to support research, business growth, product development and knowledge exchange across Scotland and beyond.
A new website – www.bikeinnovationscotland.com – provides details for businesses interested in becoming part of the growing cycling innovation ecosystem, such as the IMBA Europe Summit which the Campus will host in 2027.
With significant interest in the Campus, businesses and individuals are encouraged to visit the website and to register their interest in renting a space in the building directly with SOSE as soon as possible.
Bike Innovation Scotland is already creating and exploring partnership opportunities and welcome enquires to learn more about the services and support available.
Professor Tom Campbell, Director and Academic Lead, Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It is very exciting to see how far the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus project has progressed.
“The completion of its world class facilities, particularly around the human performance and innovation lab space, will really enhance the research and innovation work we are able to carry out.
“We are looking forward to watching the Campus develop even further over the coming months, ahead of what promises to be a significant year for Scottish cycling.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, said: “The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus will provide opportunities on a local, national and global level, supporting high-value jobs, attracting new investment and SOSE's aim of delivering lasting economic growth.
"It will also reinforce the South of Scotland’s reputation as a leading destination for cycling and mountain biking.
"There has been excellent progress made on the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus since construction began eight months ago, and we can now see the building really taking shape ahead of its opening next year."
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board member, said: "It is fantastic to see the progress being made on site and hear that the building works will be complete by the time we welcome the Tour de France next July.
“The South of Scotland is the home of the bike and a UCI Bike Region, and the investment in this facility through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and from Scottish Borders Council, SOSE and Edinburgh Napier University capitalises on that and will put us at the heart of future cycling innovations.
“This project and the continued work of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership is absolutely focussed on securing tangible benefits for the area, our economy, residents and visitors.
"It is built upon our existing reputation for cycling and making the most of the region hosting events such as the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the Tour of Britain and of course the greatest of them all, the Tour de France.”
Top picture: Caerlee Mill Bike Campus under construction
Bottom picture: (L-R) Ed Shoote, South of Scotland Enterprise; Professor Tom Campbell, Edinburgh Napier University