First Scottish Center Parcs holiday village planned

Household name holiday operator, Center Parcs has announces its plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, marking a significant expansion for the company and a major boost for Scottish tourism.

The proposed development will be located just three miles north of Hawick in the scenic Scottish Borders. With an investment estimated between £350 million and £400 million, this venture is expected to create lasting economic benefits for the region.

The new village will include approximately 700 high-quality lodges, designed to provide a luxurious, nature-focused holiday experience. Guests will enjoy access to a range of amenities, including an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, an indoor water park called the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, shops, bars, and restaurants, all nestled within the area’s natural beauty.

In addition to its long-term economic contributions, the projects is anticpated to generate around 1,200 permanent jobs in the local community. During the construction phase, between 750 and 800 jobs will also be created, providing immediate employement opportunities for skilled workers in the region.

Center Parcs is currently in the early stages of planning, with a formal application expected to be submitted by 2025. This development reflects the company’s response to a strong demand from Scottish families, many of who travel to its locations in England.

Colin McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of Center Parcs, said: “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.


“Throughout our history, we have demonstrated that a Center Parcs village provides significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally.


“Many Scottish families already visit Center Parcs villages in England, and this village will offer the chance for people to enjoy their holidays closer to home, which in turn will benefit the local economy.


“Sustainability is core to our values. In our three decades of operating in the UK and Ireland, we have transformed areas of commercial woodland into a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, considerably enhancing the biodiversity of each village. This site gives us the opportunity to take a bold, new approach and create a woodland ourselves, delivering significant biodiversity net gain and planting thousands of new trees.


“We are at an early stage with these proposals and have a lengthy and thorough planning process ahead. We have already conducted a significant number of surveys to assess the site and we intend to continue with additional site surveys and design development, alongside a programme of pre-planning application consultation and community engagement.”

Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, said: “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.”