Innerleithen bike park report now available
Download a summary of the report at the Tourism Resources Company website
The report was commissioned to look at the commercial feasibility of the development of a bike park, which would include a chairlift café and bike hire and network of mixed ability trails. The report covered a full market assessment, site access and layout, building design, chairlift design, services, trail development and environmental impact scoping study.
The findings conclude that the development of a commercial purpose-built Bike Park at Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley could see a unique facility in Scotland and in the UK. To bring the project to life, the report also states that it could cost up to £10 million.
If the vision for the bike park is realised, the project could have the potential to create a significant economic benefit for Scotland and the Scottish Borders area with an estimated £5.86 million at Scottish Borders area and the creation of 127 direct and indirect jobs in the local economy.
If achieved, it would be the first dedicated chairlift for mountain biking in the World. The facility could unlock a significant opportunity to cement and build the Tweed Valley’s reputation as an international mountain bike and cycling destination building on the credentials of Glentress.
The facility would be expected to appeal to a range of users from local residents, day visitors and tourists from across the Uk and overseas. The mix of trails would appeal to families, couples, older people as well as clubs, school groups and adrenaline junkies.
The feasibility study which was started in August 2007 was led by Scottish Enterprise with financial support from Scottish Borders Council and was supported by a working group which includes representatives from Forestry Commission Scotland, Traquair Estates, Visit Scotland, Innerleithen and Walkerburn Community Councils and representatives of the Tweed Valley Tourism Consortia. A public consultation/information session was held in December 2007 and helped shape the final report.
David Gass, Regional Director for Scottish Enterprise said “This has been a significant piece of research which has been supported locally by a wide ranging working group and partners and highlights major economic benefits nationally. Scottish Enterprise is currently in discussions with partners to examine the best way to take this project forward and to identify private sector interest in the development”.
Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council further commented: “Our mountain-biking trails are already a major attraction and if the project proceeds and we achieve this unique bike park and chair lift to the top of Minch Moor, it will transform our facilities into one of the most competitive and attractive mountain-biking venues in the world. And, of course, the chairlift will not just be for cyclists.”
Christina Tracey, Forestry Commission Scotland, added “We welcome this very thorough report which has produced some very interesting data. The information will be of great use with assisting partners in exploring future directions for mountain biking in the area.
“This is very much the first stage and it proves that there are certainly a lot of challenges ahead in realising a vision for a commercial bike park at Innerleithen.”