Center Parcs, a leading holiday village operator, has revealed ambitious plans to establish its first resort in Scotland. The proposed site, located near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, represents a significant £350 million investment and has the potential to create up to 1,200 jobs in the local community. This development is expected to enhance the region’s tourism landscape and provide new recreational opportunities.
The plans for this new resort are currently in their early stages, with a formal planning application for approximately 700 lodges scheduled for submission in 2025. The resort is set to feature a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including a state-of-the-art indoor water park that aims to attract families from across the region and beyond.
Chief Executive Colin McKinlay emphasized the transformative potential of this project for leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. He noted that Center Parcs has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver substantial economic benefits at local, regional, and national levels.
McKinlay pointed out that many families from Scotland frequently visit existing Center Parcs locations in England. He believes this new resort will bring those experiences closer to home, catering to robust demand for family-friendly destinations in Scotland.
The proposed site is situated on land owned by the Buccleuch Group, east of the A7 between Hawick and Selkirk. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of Buccleuch Group, stated that the project is poised to deliver an “outstandingly positive impact” on the local tourism sector.
Center Parcs has been operating successfully in the UK since 1987, following its initial establishment in the Netherlands during the late 1960s. The company currently operates six sites across the UK and Ireland, attracting over two million visitors annually, primarily families seeking diverse on-site activities.
In recent developments, Center Parcs announced it would no longer pursue plans for a new village at Oldhouse Warren in West Sussex after determining that it was unsuitable for such a project. As it moves forward with plans for its Scottish venture, Center Parcs appears committed to enhancing leisure opportunities in Scotland while fostering economic growth.
In conclusion, as Center Parcs prepares to embark on this exciting journey into Scotland’s tourism sector, both local residents and visitors alike can look forward to a new era of family-oriented leisure experiences tailored to meet growing demands.
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