Families looking for a peaceful getaway might soon have an exciting new destination to explore, as Center Parcs prepares to bring a completely new village to life.

Instead of simply expanding its existing sites, the company is taking on something much bigger — creating an entire holiday village from the ground up in the Scottish Borders.

A Brand-New Location in Scotland

The project, officially named Center Parcs Scottish Borders, will sit between Hawick and Selkirk in the south of Scotland.

After receiving planning approval, the company is aiming to start construction in spring 2026, with hopes of welcoming its first guests by the summer of 2029.

What Guests Can Expect from the New Village

The new village will offer everything regular Center Parcs visitors know and love, but on a larger and more nature-focused scale.

Plans include around 700 lodges and apartments, the signature Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a lively Village Centre with restaurants and shops, and the calming Aqua Sana Forest Spa, tucked into a serene woodland setting.

A Forest Grown from Scratch

One of the most unique parts of this development is Center Parcs’ decision to plant an entirely new forest — a first for the company.

The team plans to select tree species carefully, creating a thriving, diverse woodland that will grow and evolve long after the village opens.

New Lochs and Outdoor Adventures

To make the environment even more inviting, the plans include two newly formed lochs, giving visitors space for water sports, relaxation, and scenic walks.

On land, there will be a wide range of outdoor activities designed to blend naturally into the landscape — staying true to the company’s signature style of woodland adventure.

A Nature and Heritage Hub

Another highlight is the combined Nature and Heritage Centre, which will celebrate local wildlife and cultural history.

With wildflower meadows, wetland habitats, and winding nature trails, the area is expected to become an educational and recreational spot for families wanting to connect with the outdoors.

A Major Milestone for Center Parcs

Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, shared the company’s excitement about securing permission for their seventh village in the UK and Ireland.

He described the project as a “bold step forward,” not only because of its scale, but because of the opportunity to shape an entirely new environment from scratch.

He added that this development will help Center Parcs welcome more families from Scotland and northern England, especially those who may not have considered a Center Parcs break before.

Sustainability at the Core

Colin also emphasized that sustainability isn’t just an add-on — it’s central to the entire plan.

From planting hundreds of thousands of new trees to restoring natural habitats and including green technologies, the village is being designed with a strong low-impact, nature-positive vision.

Economic Opportunities for the Region

Beyond offering family holidays, the project is set to bring significant economic benefits.

With a construction cost of around £450 million, the village is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs, support local businesses, and contribute an estimated £75 million each year to the Scottish Borders economy.

This includes around £8.8 million in tourism spending, helping to strengthen the region’s wider visitor economy.

Working Together to Bring the Project to Life

The village will be built on land owned by the Buccleuch Group, located east of the A7 between Hawick and Selkirk.

An option agreement covering about 1,000 acres has been signed, with the main development set to occupy roughly 500 acres.

Benny Higgins, executive chairman of the Buccleuch Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and its potential to bring social, economic, and environmental gains to the area.

He noted that similar developments elsewhere have already shown how transformative Center Parcs can be for local communities.

What’s Next?

With planning permission already secured, the next stage involves preparing the land and finalizing design details.

Center Parcs plans to begin on-site work in spring 2026, starting with infrastructure, woodland planting, and early stages of construction.

Over the following years, the company will shape the new forest, build accommodations, develop the lochs, and introduce the village’s recreational and wellness facilities.

If all goes according to schedule, families will be able to enjoy this nature-rich retreat by summer 2029, marking the beginning of a new era for Center Parcs — and a major tourism boost for the Scottish Borders.

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