Center Parcs UK Plans First CP Holiday Village in Scotland

(eap) The holiday park operator group Center Parcs UK, whose portfolio currently includes six vacation destinations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, does not yet have a holiday park in Scotland. This is set to change soon, as the company is planning to develop a site north of the Scottish town of Hawick. The planning application for the first Center Parcs park in Scotland is due to be submitted this summer. As a first step towards the realization of the project, a first community event was recently being held.

For the site between Selkirk and Hawick, Center Parcs is planning to create a new woodland and lochs to significantly increase biodiversity. The wooded landscape will then be home to a holiday village with up to 700 lodges/apartments, an Aqua Sana Forest Spa familiar from other Center Parcs sites, as well as a subtropical themed indoor water park, indoor and outdoor leisure and sports facilities, a range of retail and restaurant facilities, bars and coffee shops and a local heritage center.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs, with Center Parcs committed to engaging regional contractors wherever possible. Once operational, the park is expected to create around 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal roles. The total investment in this first Center Parcs park in Scotland is estimated to be between GBP 350 and 400 million (EUR 360-480 million).

“This first step towards applying for planning permission to realise our vision is an extremely important moment for us, and we are fully committed to a thorough programme of community engagement and consultation before the full planning application is submitted. We know from experience the significant economic and social benefits a Center Parcs village brings to the local area, and we are excited at the prospect of bringing a Center Parcs village to the Scottish Borders, creating a fantastic destination for families. We have already received extremely valuable feedback from the community, and we want to ensure that as many local people as possible see what we propose and are able to ask questions and provide feedback,” stated Colin McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of Center Parcs UK.

In addition to community information sessions, Center Parcs proposes to hold at least four further formal public consultation events at which project team members will be available to discuss the plans and answer any questions. ■