Center Parcs unveils preliminary zoning plan for proposed Scottish Borders village

Center Parcs has revealed a preliminary zoning plan for its proposed holiday village in the Scottish Borders at a public exhibition held at Lilliesleaf Village Hall.

The unveiling marks a milestone in the early planning stages, offering attendees an initial glimpse of how the site could be developed.

Today’s event, the first of four statutory public consultations set to take place before mid-May, provided an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to review the early-stage zoning plan and share their feedback.

The zoning plan is not a final document and will be subject to change as technical work progresses and consultee feedback is received in the coming months.

Those insights will play a crucial role in shaping the eventual masterplan which will form part of the planning application when it is submitted later this year.

Key features include:

• Access: A long driveway from the west of the site, off the A7, is proposed as the main access route into the village.
• Accommodation: Six designated zones where lodges may be situated.
• Central facilities: Potential locations for key buildings, including leisure, dining, and other essential amenities.
• Heritage and environmental considerations: Areas containing heritage assets have been identified, with no development envisaged.
• Environmental enhancements: Areas where existing woodland will be retained and enhanced, as well as new biodiversity initiatives, including wetlands, wildflower meadows, and lochs.
• Screening and Privacy Measures: Proposed enhanced screening to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties whilst maintaining the area’s natural beauty

Colin McKinlay, Chief Executive of Center Parcs, said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

If planning permission is received for the Scottish Borders, the site three miles north of Hawick will become home to a holiday village of up to 700 lodges/apartments, the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the renowned Subtropical Swimming Paradise indoor water park, indoor/outdoor leisure and sports facilities, and retail and restaurant facilities, bars and coffee shops, as well as a local heritage centre.

During construction, the project is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs, with a commitment to engaging regional contractors where possible. Once operational, the village will create approximately 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal roles, providing diverse career opportunities for local people, including management positions. The total investment to bring this new village to life is estimated at between £350 million and £400 million.

Widespread national and regional media outlets have covered this announcement. some of the coverage can be found on the following links:

• BBC Scotland Online
• The Sun
• Border Telegraph
• Southern Reporter

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