A MULTI-MILLION pound Peeblesshire biking hub will be called Caerlee Mill in a nod to the building’s heritage.

The exciting project – which had been referred to as a mountain bike innovation centre – was granted planning permission by Scottish Borders Council last year.

Based at the site of the former 18th-century mill near Innerleithen, the ‘world-leading’ facility, which has yet to be built, is expected to create hundreds of jobs across a decade.

At a presentation on Monday evening, at Innerleithen and District Community Council (IDCC), an image of the entrance doorway was shown with a name plate stating ‘Bike-Innovation Scotland’.

A spokesperson from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) – which bought the site in 2022 – said: “Bike Innovation Scotland will be a service within Caerlee Mill.

“Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is a project title, but the centre will be known as Caerlee Mill once it opens to ensure the history of the building is retained.

“The launch of the Bike Innovation Scotland brand was made during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and is the name of the innovation services to be offered in the mountain bike innovation centre once opened.”

The centre will allow companies to develop products and services, or even train and test athletes within the cycling sector.

It will also offer a place for businesses to showcase products in the heart of the UK’s leading mountain bike destination.

Many slides were shown at Monday’s meeting to give a flavour of the design.

It is proposed there will be “interpretation lecterns” within recesses in the perimeter wall which will act as viewing portals for visitors and also have “information about the site’s rich history”.

Ewan McCarthy, the creative director of Edinburgh design agency Bright, stressed that the most important design imperative was not losing sight of the building’s past.

He said: “Caerlee was an innovative mill and we are keen that concept continues with reference to heritage and the modern design.”

On when the centre could open, a SOSE spokesperson added: “As with any historic renovation, the age and condition of the building, and the surrounding site, has always been known to present challenges. The current work is to fully scope these issues and to make the site safe.

“December 2024 is an indicative date until the site has been fully investigated. We will know the final timeframes for completing the full build once this initial work has been concluded in May 2024.”