Center Parcs has announced exciting plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, set to be located in the scenic Scottish Borders. The project, designed to mirror the company’s successful holiday villages in England and Ireland, is expected to bring substantial economic and tourism benefits to the region.

Location and Project Overview

The proposed site is approximately three miles north of Hawick and 55 miles south of Edinburgh, east of the A7 trunk road on land owned by the Buccleuch Group. The chosen location spans 1,000 acres, with the development extending across 400 acres. Center Parcs has signed an option agreement with the Buccleuch Group, allowing them to move forward with plans to create around 700 lodges nestled in a natural forested setting.

A planning application is scheduled for submission in 2025, with early plans featuring a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities, restaurants, shops, bars, an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, and Center Parcs’ iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, an indoor water park popular with families.

Economic and Employment Impact

The estimated investment for the project ranges from £350 million to £400 million, promising a substantial boost to the local economy. During the construction phase, Center Parcs estimates it will generate between 750 and 800 regional jobs, prioritizing the use of local contractors. Once operational, the village is expected to draw visitors year-round, adding to the local hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors.

Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, highlighted the potential impact on Scotland’s tourism sector, saying, “This is a tremendously exciting project and offers the opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs is an exceptionally popular destination for families in the UK and Ireland and there is robust demand to support a seventh village.”

Benny Higgins, executive chairman of the Buccleuch Group, also emphasized the project’s significance: “This project promises to have an outstandingly positive impact on tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders, and we are delighted to have signed an option agreement that will enable Center Parcs to take the next steps towards fulfilling its ambitions.”

Environmental and Community Engagement

As part of the development, Center Parcs plans to undertake a large-scale tree-planting program to expand the existing woodland and enhance the area’s natural environment. Representatives have already outlined plans to local community leaders and business representatives in Hawick, assuring a commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.

McKinlay emphasized that Center Parcs is still in the early stages of planning and will engage in a detailed process, including extensive surveys, site assessments, and consultations with local stakeholders. “We are at an early stage with these proposals and have a lengthy and thorough planning process ahead,” he noted.

Meeting Demand for Family-Friendly Destinations

Center Parcs has grown into a popular family destination, and with many Scottish families already visiting existing Center Parcs locations in England, the new Scottish village will offer a closer, convenient option. By keeping tourism within Scotland, the holiday village is expected to further strengthen local businesses and contribute positively to the regional economy.

With strong demand for additional Center Parcs locations and plans that align with environmental and community priorities, the project is anticipated to make a lasting impact on both Scottish tourism and local communities in the Borders.

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