PLANS are still on track to create a world-class mountain bike “innovation centre” in Peeblesshire, a meeting has heard.

Brodies Mill and outbuildings, on Chapel Street/Damside, Innerleithen, were once part of Caerlee Mill – the town’s largest employer.

Developer Whiteburn was given planning permission for 44 new homes which are now all sold.

The four-floor mill has now been put on the market and following the signing of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal in March, it was announced that £19 million is set to go towards the creation of the innovation centre.

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Innerleithen Community Council chairman Marshall Douglas received an update from Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam, who said the business case for the centre is being finalised.

Mr Douglas said: “All parties are hopeful of a positive conclusion in working towards this aim.

“So although the building is up for sale it’s hoped that the whole deal with go through and we’ll end up with the innovation centre as planned, as the funding is now in place.”

Last month, Whiteburn’s managing director, Eve McCurrich, said there are “a number of parties” interested in buying the mill.

After witnessing numerous posts on social media that have been “sceptical” as a consequence of Whiteburn advertising the property, Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell said: “It is the intention to come to an understanding with Whiteburn for the innovation centre part of the bike park to be located there.”

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He added: “Myself, Robin [Tatler; Tweeddale East councillor], and Shona have had conversations with the golf club about the challenges and opportunities of the location and the uplift part of the bike park and its relationship to the golf club.

“I was really pleased with how constructively the golf club, despite the fact that it’s a change, were engaging in that conversation. The grass has been sown, so grass seed has been put in that section of the run of the drainage pipe from the Whiteburn development through the north side of Victoria Park.

“There’s still temporary fencing to keep people off it but it looks as though it’s going be adequately landscaped.”