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First Scottish Center Parcs plan up for scrutiny

Center Parcs A swimming pool surrounded by tropical trees with light pouring in through a number of long narrow windows above itCenter Parcs
The development would include a range of indoor and outdoor activities similar to those at other Center Parcs sites

Plans for the first Center Parcs holiday village in Scotland are being put out for scrutiny by the public.

The company announced its multi-million pound proposals for the site near Hawick last year.

A first drop-in event to discuss the scheme will be held at the town's rugby club on 12 February.

Newly-appointed community liaison officer Paul Hogarth said his priority was to "listen to local voices" about the plans which Center Parcs said could have a "transformative" effect on the area.

The company revealed its 700-lodge plans in November which it said would represent an investment of between £350m and £400m and could create up to 1,200 jobs.

It currently attracts millions of visitors a year to its six sites across the UK and Ireland. The company has said its plans for a Scottish site are still at an "early stage".

Senior company leaders will be at Hawick Rugby Club to share an overview of their plans, answer questions and gather feedback.

They then hope to submit a planning application later this year which will include a range of indoor and outdoor activities alongside the lodges.

Center Parcs said it would create between 750 to 800 jobs during construction with a "strong focus" on using local contractors.

Center Parcs A wooden holiday lodge with the sunlight breaking through surrounding trees and casting shadows across long grassCenter Parcs
The project would create up to 1,200 jobs once completed

Chief executive officer Colin McKinlay said: "We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring a Center Parcs village to the Scottish Borders, creating a fantastic destination for families while delivering significant economic and social benefits to the local area.

"Ensuring excellent community engagement is fundamental to everything we do, and this public presentation is a vital part of ensuring we work in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders from the very beginning."

Paul Hogarth said that as someone with his roots in Hawick and the Borders he was delighted to become liaison officer for the scheme.

"My priority is to listen to local voices and ensure that we work together to develop plans that respect and enhance what the region already has to offer," he said.

"I look forward to meeting local people at the public meetings and pre-planning exhibitions in the months ahead."