Home / Business and Economy / Scotland's First Center Parcs: Borders Set for £450m Village
Scotland's First Center Parcs: Borders Set for £450m Village
1 Dec
Summary
- A £450m Center Parcs holiday village is planned for the Scottish Borders.
- The development promises 700 lodges and significant economic benefits.
- Local residents have raised 40 objections concerning landscape and traffic.
Planning officials in Scotland's Borders are recommending approval for the nation's first Center Parcs holiday village, a £450m investment near Hawick. The proposed development includes 700 lodges, extensive woodland, nature trails, an indoor swimming complex, and various amenities. If approved, construction could begin early next year, with a potential opening in spring 2029.
The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, creating around 800 jobs during construction and an estimated 1,200 permanent positions. Forecasts suggest over 350,000 visitors annually, injecting £30-£40m into the local economy. While supported by economic bodies, the scale has prompted around 40 objections from nearby residents concerning landscape impact, noise, and traffic.
Despite these concerns, planning officers believe the developers have sufficiently mitigated potential adverse impacts. They highlight the project's potential to be transformational for the Borders economy, delivering year-round jobs and attracting new visitors. The final decision rests with the Scottish Borders Council's planning committee on December 8th.
