Plans for Scotland’s first Center Parcs in the Borders have received overwhelming backing from the local community, as the leisure company moves closer to submitting a full planning application.
The proposed £400 million holiday village, set to be located north of Hawick, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. To gauge local sentiment, Center Parcs held a drop-in consultation event, where feedback was almost entirely positive.
Community Consultation Reveals Enthusiastic Response
Center Parcs chief executive Colin McKinlay expressed delight at the reception from residents. “We have been thrilled by the response—not just today, but ever since we announced our intentions to come to Scotland last November,” he said.
The development will feature 700 lodges alongside a variety of tourist attractions, including swimming pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Around 1,200 permanent jobs will be created once operational, while construction is expected to support 800 temporary roles.
Concerns Over Traffic and Environment Addressed
While some concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact and potential traffic congestion, these issues were not major points of contention at the event. The general sentiment among attendees was one of optimism about the economic and tourism benefits the project could bring.
Ronald Duffy, a Hawick resident, shared his enthusiasm: “I thought farmers living nearby would be concerned, but even they seem very positive about what it will bring. Right now, people just drive through the Borders heading north, but Center Parcs could turn the area into a destination in its own right.”
Boosting Local Business and Tourism
The project has also garnered support from business leaders, with many seeing it as a key opportunity to stimulate the region’s economy.
Laura Middlemass, a member of the Borders Chamber of Commerce, praised Center Parcs’ engagement with the local business community. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs seems to be very invested in supporting local businesses, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
Hawick resident Brian Emmerson echoed these sentiments: “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.”
Next Steps for the Development
The submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) marks the first step in the formal planning process. Center Parcs will now embark on further community consultations before submitting a full planning application to Scottish Borders Council in the summer.
If granted approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with completion anticipated in the following years.
McKinlay reassured residents that the company remains committed to addressing any concerns raised: “We are not presuming we will automatically be granted 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.”
Project Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | £400 million |
| Location | North of Hawick, Scottish Borders |
| Number of Lodges | 700 |
| Job Creation | 1,200 permanent, 800 temporary (construction) |
| Planning Stage | Consultation ongoing; full application expected in summer 2025 |
| Expected Start Date | Early 2027 (pending approval) |
