Scotland’s first Center Parcs gets planning approval go-ahead
The major new development is said to be ‘transformational’ for the Borders economy
Scotland’s first Center Parcs has passed another milestone ahead of its anticipated opening in 2029.
Planning officials are now recommending proposals for the £450m development near Hawick in the Borders are approved.
Modelled on Center Parcs’ six existing villages across England and Ireland, the Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants and signature swimming and spa attractions.
A video released in July offered an architectural insight into what the site might look like, with an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, sports plaza, Subtropical Swimming Paradise and waterside lodges.
The new site will also include 700 holiday lodges, newly-created lochs, natural trails and a woodland area.
Lead planning officer Barry Fotheringham said the proposal has the potential to be “transformational” for the Borders economy “delivering year-round quality jobs as well as hundreds of thousands of new visitors annually, and is likely to act as a catalyst for wider economic regeneration”.
He added that the development would bring demonstrable economic and social benefits “not just to the Scottish Borders region but to Scotland as a whole”.
A total of 40 objections have been received to the proposal, with concerns raised over loss of farmland, noise and light pollution, additional traffic, visual and landscape impact and restricted access.
Mr Fotheringham stated that the impact on the local residents would be “negligible”.
“Given the scale and size of the development, it is accepted that there will be impacts but having regard to the mitigating factors set out in the accompanying documentation submitted with the application, the proposals will not have an adverse impact on the landscape or the environment,” he said.
Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: “This is an exciting opportunity – not just for Center Parcs but for the Scottish Borders.
“As we witnessed when we opened our newest location in Longford in Ireland in 2019, a new village has the potential to transform local tourism, create year-round employment and bring a significant boost to the regional economy.”
The bid will now be put before the Planning and Building Standards Committee on Monday 8 December for approval.
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