Center Parcs to build £450m holiday park in the Scottish Borders
A transformational £450m holiday village in the Scottish Borders has been given the green light.
Center Parcs now has approval for its first holiday park in Scotland, on land at and incorporating Huntlaw Farm at Hassendean in Hawick.
Scottish Borders Council’s Planning & Building Standards Committee endorsed the holiday park, with members learning that the new tourism site will from now on be known as ‘Center Parcs Scottish Borders’.
It is expected to support between 750 and 800 jobs during the construction phase and create approximately 1,200 permanent roles once operational.
An additional £75m a year will also be added to the Borders economy, Center Parcs estimate.
Members heard the concerns of the Lewis Family at Cotfield Farm over the negative impact the development will have on their lives and livelihood. They said the economic benefit had not been properly verified and that there was no guarantee that local businesses and workforce would benefit.
Concerns were also raised at the lack of housing for the workforce.
In response, Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: “Center Parcs has an extraordinary positive impact on the communities surrounding its villages.
“When we identified the Borders for our seventh village we were of course attracted by the stunning views, the rich heritage and of course the warm hospitality.
“But we also saw an opportunity to contribute to the goal of making the Borders a ‘go to not a go through’ destination. Center Parcs can act as an anchor point, encouraging more families to explore the rich heritage and rolling landscape of the Borders.”
Committee members unanimously supported the application following a site visit.
Cllr Donald Moffat said: “I must say this is one of the most impressive and exciting developments I’ve seen for Hawick and the Borders as a whole. It has tremendous economic benefits. This is massive good news.”
The village will incorporate lodges, apartment buildings, a swimming pool, indoor leisure facilities, a spa facility, retail shops, bars, coffee shops, restaurants and outdoor leisure facilities.
It is estimated that the development represents a £450m investment in the Borders economy which will create a year-round family destination, bringing significant tourism, employment and environmental benefits to the region.
Building work on the site is now set to start in early 2027 with opening earmarked for spring 2029.