Center Parcs is a classic UK family holiday choice – and for obvious reasons. There’s simply too much fun that can be had without having to leave the complex’s gates. Where else can you bomb down a waterslide one minute, master ‘spells’ in wizard school the next and putt for a hole-in-one at mini golf all before dinner?
Soon British holidaymakers will have even more Center Parcs destinations to choose from, as the dopamine-filled leisure park chain is set to open its first venue in Scotland. The location will be its sixth in the UK and first new development in Great Britain in a decade.
Scotland’s first Center Parcs holiday village has been in the works for years. Planned for the Scottish Borders – between Hawick and Selkirk – the application was lodged in July 2025 after public consultations. Officials have recommended approval of the application, though the council will have the final say next week.
Center Parcs says the £350-£400 million development will feature 700 forest lodges located in a newly built woodland, a large indoor water park, lochs, a sports plaza, walking trails, a heritage centre, a central area with restaurants and shops, and a spa. The project will create between 750 and 800 jobs during construction and about 1,200 permanent roles.
Photograph: Center Parcs Scotland
Colin McKinlay, Chief Executive of Center Parcs, said when the planning application was submitted: ‘With many families in Scotland already travelling to our existing villages in England, a Scottish location would allow them to enjoy a premium holiday experience closer to home – while supporting jobs, businesses and tourism in the region.’
However, not everyone is happy with the scale of the proposals – 40 objections were raised by local residents. Opponents criticised the size and density of the resort, saying it could have a negative impact on the rural character of the landscape. Some respondents pointed out that the site would be larger than many towns in the region.
Critics also said that Center Parcs operates a ‘closed economy model’, designed to keep guests onsite for most of their stay. They fear that visitors won’t venture into nearby towns, which wouldn’t benefit local shops, cafés and tourism businesses.
A final decision will be made by the council on December 8.
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