Center Parcs has unveiled plans for a brand-new village in the Scottish Borders between the towns of Hawick and Selkirk. And with the initial zoning blueprint being released yesterday (March 4), the company are setting the stage for the development’s first phase. The firm praised the “picturesque location” for its “rolling hills and open countryside providing stunning scenery at every turn. 

While the plan is still tentative and open to revisions, it signals the start of a project aimed at providing an idyllic, family-friendly escape in the region. Chief Executive Colin McKinlay enthused: “The unveiling of this zoning plan marks an important first step in bringing our vision for a Center Parcs village in the Scottish Borders to life.”

Colin also highlighted the importance of community input: “This early-stage plan provides a foundation for thoughtful development, ensuring that environmental, heritage, and community factors remain central to our approach. We are committed to listening to the local community as we refine our plans over the coming months, with the aim of submitting a formal planning application in the summer.”

He added: “We truly appreciate the feedback and engagement from those who attended today’s event and look forward to continuing these important conversations at our upcoming consultation events.”

Where will the new Center Parcs be located?

The park is set to be opened in the Scottish Borders on a site sitting north of Hawick and south of Selkirk. This location is about 90-minutes from Newcastle and Edinburgh, or a seven hour drive from London. 

Historic houses, grand abbeys, impressive castles and ancient ruins lining the historic landscape, and diverse wildlife including ospreys, golden eagles, red squirrels and deer.

In addition to utilising the natural beauty of the area, Center Parcs plans to enhance the environment by planting many new trees, transforming the current open grassland into a lush woodland.

What will the new Center Parcs look like?

Visitors can look forward to approximately 700 self-catering lodges designed for family stays, alongside a subtropical water park complete with slides, rides, and pools. A wealth of activities awaits, catering to all preferences, whether indoor, outdoor or aquatic sports.

For relaxation, a forest spa will be available, and dining options will include a range of family-friendly restaurants.

The ambitious new zoning plan for the upcoming village includes a host of features such as a main access route from the A7, six zones for lodge accommodation, and areas dedicated to leisure, dining, and other essential amenities.

The plan also prioritises heritage and environmental significance with enhancements like wetlands, meadows, and lochs, alongside improved screening to protect neighbouring properties and preserve natural beauty.

Center Parcs has promised to reveal more details about the village’s offerings as the project develops.

Questions about the completion date of the village remain unanswered due to its dependence on planning permission. Center Parcs has indicated that typically, a village opens approximately three years after planning approval.

In response to whether the new site will accommodate families with young children or those with specific accessibility requirements, Center Parcs has assured on their website: “We want all families to be able to enjoy a Center Parcs break, and this village will be no different. Features such as wheelchair and pushchair-friendly footpaths, adapted accommodation and accessible activities will all be part of your Center Parcs experience.”