Center Parcs Launches Major New Scottish Resort with 700 Lodges and Expansive Swimming Centre
Center Parcs has officially confirmed that construction is now underway for its highly anticipated new site in Scotland, a £450 million development set to feature 700 lodges and a substantial swimming centre. This ambitious project, located in the Scottish Borders, is projected to generate approximately 1,200 jobs, marking a significant economic boost for the region. The resort is scheduled to open in 2029, offering a premier holiday destination with extensive amenities and a focus on environmental sustainability.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of Construction
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, alongside Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay and local schoolchildren, formally initiated the construction by planting the first tree on the site. This symbolic act heralds the beginning of work on the expansive holiday resort, which spans around 1,000 acres along the A7 trunk road between Hawick and Selkirk. Swinney expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It is a privilege to be here with local school children to start planting new trees for the site and I look forward to seeing the development of the project before the resort opens in 2029."
Extensive Forest Creation and Biodiversity Plans
The tree planting represents just the initial phase of a comprehensive environmental initiative. Center Parcs plans to establish an entirely new forest on the site, featuring hundreds of thousands of trees from multiple species. This effort aims to create a biodiversity haven that will evolve over decades, supporting diverse wildlife and plant life. Notably, this marks the first time the holiday resort operator has undertaken creating a woodland from scratch, emphasizing its commitment to ecological enhancement and sustainable tourism practices.
Resort Features and Amenities
The Center Parcs Scottish Borders development will include 700 lodges and flats, catering to various group sizes, including generous 6-Bedroom Woodland Lodges ideal for extended families or multi-generational breaks. Key attractions will feature a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, similar to those at existing Center Parcs locations, and an Aqua Sana Forest Spa nestled within the woodland. The village hub will host retail outlets and dining venues, while artificial lochs will facilitate watersports activities. Additionally, a Nature and Heritage Centre will offer outdoor pursuits with an environmental focus, and virtual tours showcase amenities positioned along the waterside.
Strategic Location and Broader Context
Situated approximately an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Edinburgh and about an hour and 45 minutes from Newcastle Upon Tyne, the resort aims to attract visitors from across the UK. This development represents Center Parcs' first new opening since Longford Forest launched in Ireland in 2019. Last year, an £87 million expansion of Longford Forest was announced, adding 83 lodges with premium features like gaming areas and hot tubs, a new lakeside eatery, and attractions such as the Forest Glider aerial zipline. The Scottish Borders project continues this trend of growth and innovation within the brand.
Overall, the Center Parcs Scottish Borders resort promises to blend luxury accommodation, recreational facilities, and environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for holiday destinations in the region.
