5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Impact of Center Parcs on Scottish Borders economy revealed
Center Parcs want to build its first Scottish holiday village at Huntlaw Farm just off the A7, north of Hawick and south of Selkirk.
The proposed development has won widespread support for its potential to transform the region's economy for the better.
If planning permission is granted for the site, the development is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs during the construction phase.
Once operational, the village will create approximately 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal roles – offering a wide range of career opportunities for local residents, including management positions.
Center Parks (Image: Center Parcs Scotland and Float Digital)
The total investment in the project is estimated at between £350 million and £400m.
A series of public consultations were held earlier this year and an official planning application appeared on SBC's planning portal today.
The development incorporates lodges, apartment buildings, central buildings incorporating a swimming pool, indoor leisure facilities, spa, retail shops, bars, coffee shops and restaurant facilities.
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There will also be outdoor leisure facilities, staff welfare facilities, ancillary buildings, car park, main access from and onto the A7, engineering operations, creation of lochs, an energy centre, hard and soft landscaping, woodland planting and forest management works.
The plans also include demolition of Huntlaw Farm buildings along with all other associated infrastructure works and activities.
Center Parks (Image: Center Parcs)
The application submitted includes no less that 423 documents, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
A planning statement says: 'The proposed development will provide a major tourism asset to the sub-region, bringing in an estimated 356,700 visitors to southern Scotland and resulting in an injection of £8.8 million annual visitor spending in the Scottish Borders economy.
'In terms of economic growth, Center Parcs Scottish Borders provides opportunities to boost the economy on a local and regional scale by providing employment and skills opportunities, as well as acting as a catalyst for further investment into the Scottish Borders.'
Center Parcs currently operates six villages across the UK and Ireland and brings over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality, family short breaks.
