Center Parcs has unveiled plans for a new £400 million holiday park near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, which is projected to create over 1,200 permanent jobs upon completion. The proposed development, located three miles north of Hawick, will mark Center Parcs’ first venture in Scotland and is anticipated to transform leisure and tourism in the region.
The company has highlighted the economic benefits expected from the project, including over 1,000 permanent, non-seasonal jobs for the local community, along with more than 700 construction roles during the build phase. The new village, designed to meet high demand from Scottish families, will feature 700 holiday lodges, alongside various indoor and outdoor activities, an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, and the popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, noted: “This village will offer the chance for people to enjoy their holidays closer to home, which in turn will benefit the local economy.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Community Engagement
Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with plans to plant thousands of new trees and increase local biodiversity. Center Parcs aims to undertake a significant afforestation programme and promote biodiversity as part of its environmental approach. McKinlay emphasised, “This site gives us the opportunity to take a bold, new approach and create a woodland ourselves, delivering significant biodiversity net gain.”
Community engagement will be key to the planning process, with a series of consultations and surveys in the works to incorporate local feedback into the development.
Regional Support and Economic Boost
David Hope-Jones, CEO of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), expressed strong support for the project, citing its potential to attract new visitors and elevate the South of Scotland’s reputation as a year-round destination. He added, “With an estimated 1,200 new local jobs set to be created, this has the potential to transform many of our local communities.”
The SSDA aims to boost local employment in tourism by 6,000 jobs over the next decade, and this development alone could achieve 20% of that target. Local MP John Lamont welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential for a "considerable boost to jobs, local businesses and our economy."
The site, located on land owned by Buccleuch Group, will cover approximately 400 acres near the A7 trunk road. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of Buccleuch, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “This project promises to have an outstandingly positive impact on tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders.”
The application for planning permission is expected to be submitted in 2025.
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