WATCH: Boss of Center Parcs reveals passion behind plans for first holiday village in Scotland
Last updated 13th Feb 2025
It's expected to create 1,200 permanent jobs and bring a massive tourism boost to the Scottish Borders.
But the boss of Center Parcs has had to field questions over access from the A7, impact on utilities, and how many local people will benefit.
Colin McKinlay is meeting people in Hawick today (Wednesday) to discuss plans for a new holiday village just north of the town.
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video report...
It's the first in a series of public engagement events - with more planned in Lilliesleaf, Denholm and Selkirk in the coming weeks.
But, if all goes to plan, the leisure operator's CEO hopes to have planning permission for the £400 million development before the end of the year.
Mr McKinlay has been telling Greatest Hits Radio about his personal passion behind the project.
He said: "I was born in Glasgow, my father grew up in Scotland; I have many, many happy memories of coming up to Scotland in my childhood. And, interestingly, the thing I remember is I was driving through the Scottish Borders on my way to a destination... Center Parcs will bring people to the Scottish Borders - which is hugely exciting."
In terms of access to the site, and whether a round-about would be necessary on the A7, Mr McKinlay said it was too early to conclude - pointing out their conversations with the roads authorities will be guided by the results of a traffic impact assessment.
But, responding to the question over how many locals would be employed, he pointed out around 85 per cent of their staff live within 15 miles of their other villages, and where possible they use local suppliers.
Mr McKinlay - who described a meeting with neighbouring community councils yesterday as "very positive", said: "Part of the process we're in now is to make sure that we listen to the community, and we capture any issues that we need to deal with."
But he added: "I'm still on track to submit a planning application at the start of the summer, so still hopeful on the timeline."
The new 700-lodge resort, which incorporates Huntlaw Farm at Hassendean, is expected to boast a range of leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, around 14 bars and restaurants.
It's anticipated it would attract 250,000 visitors a year, and generate around £27 million spend in the local economy annually.
The holiday village would be Center Parcs first in Scotland and the biggest of the leisure operator's six sites in the UK and Ireland.
It has today announced it's submitting a proposal of application notice to Scottish Borders Council - triggering the start of a 12-week consultation.
Further drop-in events are planned at Currie Memorial Hall in Lilliesleaf on Wednesday, February 26th; Denholm Village Hall on Wednesday, March 26th; Selkirk Rugby Club on Thursday, April 24th; and back to Hawick Rugby Club on Tuesday, May 20th - all between 2pm and 7pm. Another event is planned at Hawick Rugby Club on Wednesday, May 21st - between 11am and 7pm.
Mr McKinlay said: “This first step towards applying for planning permission to realise our vision is an extremely important moment for us, and we are fully committed to a thorough programme of community engagement and consultation before the full planning application is submitted.
“We know from experience the significant economic and social benefits a Center Parcs village brings to the local area, and we are excited at the prospect of bringing a Center Parcs village to the Scottish Borders, creating a fantastic destination for families.
“We have already received extremely valuable feedback from the community, and we want to ensure that as many local people as possible see what we propose and are able to ask questions and provide feedback.”
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