WATCH: Drone footage captures progress on Center Parcs new holiday village in the Scottish Borders
Last updated 16 hours ago
New drone footage has captured the progress of work on Center Parcs' new 700-lodge holiday village in the Scottish Borders.
Diggers and dumper trucks are building a new two-and-a-half kilometre access road through the site, just off the A7 north of Hawick.
The development – the company’s first in Scotland - is expected to attract 350,000 visitors to the region every year once complete.
And local councillor Stuart Marshall revealed the £450 million investment is already having spin-off benefits for the area.
“There is a huge amount of work going,” he told Greatest Hits Radio. “Center Parcs have been very swift so far.
“It’s great because we've got contractors - local contractors - on site as we speak; bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs are all doing well, I'm told; and property is being sought in Hawick - and that’s just because of Center Parcs alone.”
Center Parcs Scottish Borders is expected to open by the summer of 2029, creating around 1,200 permanent jobs, in addition to the 800 or so during the construction phase.
“Three summers (until it’s ready), and we're just about halfway through the first one, so I can't wait,” Councillor Marshall added.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video report...
Last month, we reported that Glasgow-based construction firm RJ McLeod has been appointed to carry out enabling works, including the creation of the access road, which will initially support construction traffic before becoming the main access for guests and suppliers when the village is operational.
D.E. Fencing, based at Charlesfield Industrial Estate in St Boswells, has also been awarded a six-figure contract to supply and install the fencing required.
Speaking at the time, Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: “Appointing our first contractors is an important moment as we move towards the construction phase of Center Parcs Scottish Borders.
“From the outset, we have said that this project will create opportunities for local and Scottish businesses, and these early appointments are a clear example of that commitment.
“D.E. Fencing and RJ McLeod will both play important roles in preparing the site for the next stage of development and we are pleased to be working with contractors who understand the importance of delivering this project carefully and responsibly.”
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