Center Parcs to invest £450m into Scottish Borders village

Center Parcs has been granted planning permission for it seventh village in the UK and Ireland – Center Parcs Scottish Borders.

The property will be located in the south of Scotland between the towns of Hawick and Selkirk and feature up to 700 lodges and apartments, including a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a village centre with shops and restaurants, and the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa.

It will also see the planting of a forest for the first time, which will feature native woodland species.

Detailed design work and tendering processes will now begin as the team aim to start work at the site in spring 2026. The property is due for completion in summer 2029.

Other key features of the site include two newly created lochs designed for water sports and recreation, as well as a combined Nature and Heritage Centre with wildflower meadows, nature trails, and wetlands.

The project, which is valued at £450m, marks Center Parcs’ first new village since the opening of Longford Forest in Ireland in 2019. 

It is expected to create 1,200 jobs and contribute £75m each year to the Scottish Borders economy, including £8.8m in tourism spend.

The village sits on land owned by the Buccleuch Group, which has signed an option agreement with Center Parcs that covers roughly 1,000 acres of land, with the main development being built on 500 acres on the eastern section of the site.

Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured planning permission for the creation of our seventh Center Parcs village. 

“This village will be truly unique. The scale of the site, the setting and the ability to plant and shape a brand-new forest give us the chance to take a bold step forward in both design and sustainability. 

“Center Parcs Scottish Borders will allow us to reach a new market, attracting families from across Scotland and the north of England who may not have previously considered a Center Parcs break. We know there is strong demand, and this village will meet it with a modern offer that reflects what families want from a premium short break.” 

Benny Higgins, executive chairman of the Buccleuch Group, added: “This is tremendously exciting news for the Scottish Borders. Outstanding social, economic and environmental benefits have been delivered at other Center Parcs locations, and I have no doubt the Scottish Borders will enjoy a similar positive impact. Buccleuch is proud to be playing a role in helping to facilitate this project, and we look forward to collaborating with Center Parcs in the decades ahead.”