WATCH: Virtual tour gives visitors glimpse into Center Parcs plans for first holiday village in Scotland
Last updated 21st May 2025
Six months on from announcing Center Parcs plans to build its first holiday village in Scotland, the company's CEO Colin McKinlay has revealed the response from the public has been "overwhelmingly positive".
An updated masterplan for the 700-lodge development - just off the A7, north of Hawick - was unveiled at the start of a two-day consultation event at the town's rugby club yesterday (Tuesday).
A further drop-in event is being held at the same venue between 11am and 7pm today (Wednesday), before a planning application is submitted to Scottish Borders Council this summer.
A fly-through video of the site, which boasts waterside lodges, a subtropical swimming paradise, and spa, is among the items on display, along with a 3D model of the village centre.
The £400 million development is expected to create up to 2,000 jobs, 1,200 of those permanent; and attract 250,000 people to the area each year - generating around £27 million for the local economy.
If approved, it's hoped work could start next year and the Center Parcs Scottish Borders site would be ready to welcome its first visitors in early 2029.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view highlights from the video tour...
Mr McKinlay said: “This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation investment for the Scottish Borders.
"If approved, our village between Hawick and Selkirk will create over a thousand high-quality, permanent jobs and provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses.
"We’re incredibly excited about what this could mean for the region and look forward to continuing our journey with the community as we prepare to submit our planning application.”
Modelled on Center Parcs’ six existing villages across England and Ireland, it's envisaged the Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions.
“It’s fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community," Mr McKinlay continued.
"The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events. It’s one thing to describe what we’re hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we’re planning."
Further consultation events have been held in Lilliesleaf, Denholm and Selkirk.
Mr McKinlay added: “We’ve worked hard to ensure this proposed village reflects the feedback we’ve received from the community and stakeholders over the past few months.
"From the layout of the lodges to how the central areas integrate with the forest setting, every element has been carefully considered. This is about creating a destination that not only brings joy to families but also respects and enhances the local environment."
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