Center Parcs to Open New Resort

Center Parcs. Picture Credit: Canva
Center Parcs, the beloved holiday village operator, has revealed ambitious plans to expand into Scotland with a brand-new resort near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. This development, representing a staggering £350 million investment, marks a significant milestone as the company’s first venture north of the border. If all goes to plan, this will become Center Parcs’ seventh village in the UK and Ireland, with construction expected to bring transformative benefits to the region.
 

A Destination for Families and Nature Lovers

The proposed site, located on land owned by the Buccleuch Group between Hawick and Selkirk, will offer 700 lodges and a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including a signature indoor water park. Center Parcs is renowned for creating family-friendly environments where visitors can enjoy everything from spa experiences to adventure trails, all set within lush natural surroundings.

Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, emphasised the significance of the project:

“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, and there is robust demand to support a seventh village.”

The development is designed to meet increasing demand, with existing Center Parcs locations already operating at full capacity. McKinlay also highlighted the growing number of Scottish guests travelling to their sites in England, noting that the new resort would make the Center Parcs experience more accessible for families in Scotland.
 

Economic Boost and Job Creation

Beyond providing an exceptional holiday experience, the new Center Parcs resort is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. Once operational, it could create up to 1,200 jobs, both directly at the resort and through its ripple effects in the local economy.

Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine described the project as an “absolutely phenomenal investment” that aligns perfectly with the region’s growing reputation as a tourist destination. He added:

“To have a company like Center Parcs invest in the Borders is fantastic news. They’ve seen our natural capital and wanted to be part of it.”

The resort’s development is expected to boost local businesses, with many thousands of visitors likely to explore the surrounding area during their stay. David Hope-Jones, CEO of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, echoed this optimism, calling the project a “huge opportunity” for local tourism.
 

Community Collaboration and Sustainable Growth

Center Parcs has committed to working closely with local communities and businesses to ensure the project benefits the wider region. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, praised the project’s potential to create a lasting positive impact, while South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) pledged its support to maximise opportunities for local businesses.

Although SOSE will not provide financial backing, its chair, Prof. Russel Griggs, called the plans “the biggest investment in the area since the Borders Railway.”
 

A Proven Success Story

Center Parcs has been a household name in the UK since the opening of its first village at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire in 1987. It now operates six successful locations, including Longford Forest in Ireland, which opened in 2019. The company attracts over two million visitors annually, thanks to its winning formula of immersive nature experiences, family-friendly activities, and high-quality accommodation.
 

Looking Ahead

While the project is still in its early stages, with a planning application due in 2025, the excitement surrounding Center Parcs’ Scottish debut is palpable. If all goes according to plan, the new village will not only enhance the region’s tourism appeal but also provide a major economic boost to the Scottish Borders.

For families and nature lovers, this new resort promises to be another jewel in Center Parcs’ crown, offering the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and connection to nature. Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting development unfolds.

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