Plans for a £450million Center Parcs holiday village in the Scottish Borders have taken another step forward after the completion of a major part of the development. The new A7 road junction, which will provide access to the site, has been finished on schedule, marking an important milestone for the project.
The junction connects the A7 to the resort's entrance road and will allow the next stages of construction to move ahead. Once completed, the 2.5km entrance road will be used by holidaymakers travelling to the village, which is being built between Hawick and Selkirk.
First Center Parcs resort in Scotland
The development will become the seventh Center Parcs village across the UK and Ireland, but the first to open in Scotland. The holiday company is building its first resort in Scotland, with the new village set to open in summer 2029.
Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: "Completion of the A7 junction is a positive step forward for Center Parcs Scottish Borders. It is one of the most visible signs of progress so far and will play an essential role in providing safe and efficient access as construction moves ahead."
Wider construction programme
Mr McKinlay also thanked residents and motorists for their patience while the roadworks were carried out. He added: "This is a very early step in the creation of the new village, but reaching milestones like this brings us one step closer to welcoming our first guests."
The roadworks are part of a wider programme being delivered by construction firm RJ McLeod, which also includes work on the entrance road and car parks.
Planned facilities and jobs
The new Center Parcs village is expected to feature around 700 lodges and apartments, giving families a choice of accommodation. There are also plans for the company's popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise, alongside restaurants, shops, a spa and indoor and outdoor activities.
Unlike its existing resorts, Center Parcs also plans to create a new woodland at the Scottish Borders site by planting thousands of trees. The project is expected to create around 1,200 permanent jobs once the village opens, with recruitment due to gather pace in 2028.
Center Parcs has previously said the development could contribute around £75million a year to the Scottish Borders economy. The company is aiming to welcome its first guests in summer 2029, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
