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Views are being sought to help move forward a project for the development of Europe’s "only mountain bike innovation centre" located alongside a bike park in the Tweed Valley.
A public consultation will be held on 24th January at 7pm in the Innerleithen Memorial Hall, Leithen Road, Innerleithen, EH44 6HZ.
During the evening, select contracts, leading consultants in the leisure and adventure industry and Scottish architects Oberlanders will present and capture the views on the bike park, whilst innovation experts Urban Foresight will be consulting on the innovation centre.
This research is being funded by Scottish Enterprise.
An initial business case for the project is one of a number of proposals in the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal proposition that is currently subject to ongoing negotiation with the UK and Scottish governments.
The outline business case has been progressed by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), a partnership project hosted in Scottish Cycling, Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council.
This group have been consulting and working with local businesses, national agencies and international bike brands to develop the proposals.
DMBinS regional mountain bike co-ordinator, Ed Shoote, said: “The Tweed Valley is already home to some of the best mountain bike riding in the UK and every year its reputation grows.
“We believe this proposal promotes the area to become the European Capital of Mountain Biking.
“Following the previous community meeting the message was clear that Innerleithen had fantastic potential to offer a wider range of trails to compliment Glentress – from jump trails to fun family-orientated bike park trails.
“Whilst the plans are progressing with a good deal of political support, we need to ensure the local community is on board with the ideas and will support the proposals.”
The feedback from this consultation meeting will contribute towards a full business case, which will be developed by both organisations of expert consultants, Select Contracts and Urban Foresight.
This will be used to help progress the funding application process under public sector programmes including the Borderlands Growth Deal, alongside helping to attract potential private investors.
