Plans unveiled for new path to Center Parcs Scottish Borders
Designed to make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians, it's also hoped the £12m scheme will ease congestion on the A7
Designs have been unveiled for a new multi-use path linking two of our region's biggest towns with the new Center Parcs development, soon to be under construction in the Scottish Borders.
The 11-mile route between Selkirk and Hawick - which is expected to follow the A7 most of the way - is estimated to cost between £12 million and £17 million to build.
However, with the number of commuting journeys expected to more than double following the opening of the new 700-lodge attraction in 2029, it's designed to make travelling safer for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
A spokesperson for the project said: "As the project is at a very early stage, the construction costs are only a rough estimate. The costs will be developed in more detail as the design progresses.
"A funding application has been made to Transport Scotland to do further detailed design work in 2026/27. If successful, this will be funded by the Scottish Government (not Scottish Borders Council)."
People are being invited to have their say on the new path at a drop-in event at Hawick South Church between 2pm and 7pm today (Tuesday, May 12th).
Within Hawick, junctions with low levels of traffic may be able to be re-designed so that the pavement continues across the junction.
According to the information boards: "At some parts of the A7 it will be more challenging to build the path, especially where the ground is not flat due to rock faces and steep embankments. In these places, structures will be needed (such as retaining walls) to widen the road and make space for the new path.
"At some locations, it will be beneficial to take the path away from the A7, either along the route of the old A7, or through adjacent land (subject to landowner agreements)."
And they add: "If possible, seating, bins and other amenities may be located throughout the route so that people can rest, take in the scenic views and dispose of litter and dog waste."
In March, First Minister John Swinney moved to allay fears the Scottish Borders may be unable to cope with the huge influx of visitors, and workers, anticipated following the opening of Center Parcs new holiday village - by pledging up to £30 million of support over the next five years to deliver the essential infrastructure needed to make the resort possible.
According to the Scottish Government, the funding will support enabling works to prepare the site, just off the A7 north of Hawick, "whilst also providing significant benefit for communities" across the region.
The announcement was made as Mr Swinney joined local schoolchildren to plant the first trees at the £450 million development to celebrate the start of building work.
The new holiday resort - which got planning permission last year - is expected to create 800 jobs during the construction phase and a further 1,200 year-round jobs when it opens.
It will be the company's first holiday village in Scotland once completed.
In addition to the lodges, the development will also boast a water park, spa, village centre, heritage and nature centre, shops, restaurants, outdoor activities, lochs, and woodland trails.
And, with over 350,000 visitors forecast to arrive each year, it's expected to generate £75 million for the local economy annually - including £30 million in salaries and £9 million in tourism spend.
Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay told Greatest Hits Radio: "I think this will be transformational for the Scottish Borders. We've seen that in other areas where we've brought a Center Parcs village.
"And to bring Center Parcs to this region and to call it 'Center Parcs Scottish Borders', I think, is absolutely the right thing to do; where we can really put the Borders on the map."
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