Plans for a £400 million Center Parcs holiday village in the Scottish Borders have been met with strong local support, with many residents seeing it as a major economic boost. The development, set to be built north of Hawick, promises significant job creation and tourism benefits.
Strong Community Backing for Center Parcs Proposal
Center Parcs marked a milestone in its Scottish expansion by submitting an official Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the local planning department. To gauge public opinion, the company hosted a drop-in consultation event in Hawick, where residents and business owners shared their thoughts on the massive investment.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many welcoming the project for its potential economic benefits and job creation. Businesswoman Laura Middlemass, a member of the Borders Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the potential boost to local businesses. “Center Parcs seems to be very invested in helping local businesses, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
A Game-Changer for Tourism in the Borders
Currently, many travelers pass through the Borders en route to other Scottish destinations. Locals believe the Center Parcs development could change that, making the region a standalone attraction.
Hawick resident Ronald Duffy noted, “At the moment, a lot of people drive through the Borders heading north, but I think Center Parcs will make the area a destination in its own right.”
Brian Emmerson, another local, echoed the sentiment: “This will be a great boost for the local economy with all the jobs it’s creating, and it will put Hawick on the tourist map.”
Employment and Economic Growth Prospects
The proposed holiday park will include 700 lodges and a range of tourist facilities. The development is expected to generate around 1,200 permanent jobs once operational, in addition to 800 jobs during the construction phase.
To coincide with the planning submission, Center Parcs has launched a series of public consultation events, aiming to refine their proposals based on community input. Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay emphasized the company’s commitment to working with local communities: “We are not presuming we are just going to be given planning permission; we are here to listen to what the communities around the site think. We want to be here for the long term, and that means making sure it works for everyone.”
Addressing Concerns Over Traffic and Environmental Impact
While most attendees at the drop-in event supported the project, some concerns have been raised about increased traffic and the potential environmental impact of such a large-scale development. However, residents who initially had reservations appear to be warming to the idea, with even farmers in the area seeing potential benefits.
“I thought farmers living nearby would be concerned as it would affect them, but even they seem very positive about what it will bring,” Duffy added.
The company has pledged to address any environmental and logistical concerns in its forthcoming full planning application, set to be submitted this summer. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2027.
A Long-Term Vision for the Borders
Center Parcs’ expansion into Scotland marks a significant step for both the company and the region. With strong backing from the community and the promise of job creation, the project appears to be on solid footing as it moves through the planning process.
McKinlay summed up the enthusiasm surrounding the project: “We have been thrilled by the reception we’ve had—not just today but ever since we announced our intentions to come to Scotland last November.”
As discussions continue, the Scottish Borders could soon become home to one of the UK’s premier family holiday destinations.
