Center Parcs Commences Construction on £450 Million Scottish Resort
Work has officially commenced on Center Parcs' ambitious new £450 million village in Scotland, with First Minister John Swinney personally planting the first trees at the site. This symbolic act marks the beginning of a transformative project that will see the creation of Center Parcs Scottish Borders, located between the towns of Hawick and Selkirk in the south of Scotland.
A New Forest Created from Scratch
In a groundbreaking approach for the company, Center Parcs is developing this site by creating an entirely new forest from the ground up. Over the coming months, hundreds of thousands of trees representing more than 30 different species will be planted across the landscape. These will include native varieties such as Scots pine, silver birch, and aspen, establishing the foundation for what will become a vibrant woodland ecosystem.
First Minister John Swinney, accompanied by Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay and local schoolchildren from Trinity Primary School and Stirches Primary School, led the initial planting ceremony last week. The event represented not just the start of construction but a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Comprehensive Resort Features and Economic Impact
The new village, scheduled to open in summer 2029, will be the first new Center Parcs development since Longford Forest in Ireland opened in 2019. The resort will feature:
- Up to 700 lodges and apartments for guests
- The iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise
- A comprehensive Village Centre with shops and restaurants
- The luxurious Aqua Sana Forest Spa
- Two newly created lochs designed for water sports and recreation
- A combined Nature and Heritage Centre with wildflower meadows, nature trails, and wetlands
- Numerous outdoor activities integrated throughout the landscape
The economic impact of Scottish Borders is projected to be substantial. Once operational in 2029, the resort is expected to generate employment for over 1,200 people while contributing approximately £75 million annually to the Scottish Borders economy. This includes an estimated £8.8 million in tourism spending that will benefit local businesses.
Government Support and Community Engagement
During the tree-planting ceremony, First Minister Swinney confirmed that the Scottish Government will provide up to £30 million for essential infrastructure to support the new resort. "Economic growth must reach the people and places that need it most," Swinney stated. "Investing in the South of Scotland through this project is a direct expression of our belief that every part of Scotland deserves to benefit from a growing economy."
The First Minister emphasized that 30% of the 1,200 jobs created would be specifically targeted at young people aged 16 to 24, representing a significant opportunity for the region's youth. "Investing here is a deliberate statement that we are serious about reducing regional inequality and creating genuine opportunity for young people," he added.
Corporate Commitment and Local Benefits
Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay expressed enthusiasm about the project's commencement and the involvement of local children in the planting ceremony. "This marks another momentous milestone in the creation of Center Parcs Scottish Borders," McKinlay said. "It was hugely important for us to involve local children today because the benefits Center Parcs Scottish Borders will bring will have a long-lasting and transformative effect on the future of this area."
As a gesture of community goodwill, each participating student received a silver birch sapling to take home, symbolizing the project's broader environmental benefits. McKinlay noted that this reflected Center Parcs' philosophy of creating villages that benefit local communities, with positive effects rippling beyond resort boundaries into surrounding towns, schools, businesses, and homes.
The CEO acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project, expressing gratitude for support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, and numerous other partners who helped unlock the project's potential.
The tree-planting event followed a community meeting at Hawick Town Hall, where McKinlay addressed questions from local residents about the development. The project received formal approval from Scottish Borders Council in December, paving the way for this significant construction phase.
As work progresses toward the 2029 opening, Center Parcs Scottish Borders represents not just a major tourism investment but a comprehensive approach to economic development, environmental enhancement, and community partnership in the Scottish Borders region.
