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Center Parcs reveals new view of Borders plans

Center Parcs Scotland/Float Digital A series of pedal boats at a pier with a large entertainments building across a loch in the distanceCenter Parcs Scotland/Float Digital
The community in Hawick got a chance to see a computer-generated flythrough of the proposals

A computer-generated flythrough video of plans for the first Center Parcs holiday village in Scotland has gone on show in the Borders.

The company is holding its fourth and final community consultation in Hawick, ahead of submitting a formal planning application for the £400m project.

Center Parcs wants to build 700 lodges and accompanying tourist facilities on a site to the north of the town - creating about 1,200 jobs.

A two-day open event to see the latest on its plans - including a 3D model - is being held at Hawick Rugby Club.

Center Parcs Scotland/Float Digital An overhead view of buildings in a forest in a 3D model of how Center Parcs first Scottish site might lookCenter Parcs Scotland/Float Digital
It is the fourth and final consultation event before plans are submitted

An updated masterplan of the proposed village is being presented along with the flythrough simulation.

Consultants were also set be present on both days to discuss the planning application in detail.

Once the planning application is submitted it will be advertised and comments can be made directly to the council as part of the decision-making process.

Center Parcs Scotland/Float Digital A cafe terrace with seats outside in red and white with people sitting and standing up chatting and relaxingCenter Parcs Scotland/Float Digital
The Center Parcs development in the Borders would represent an investment of about £400m

Plans for the park were first revealed in November last year and there have been a string of public consultation events since then.

Concerns have been voiced about the loss of usable farmland and also that visitors to the village might not venture into surrounding areas.

That has prompted questions about the wider economic benefits for the Borders as a whole.

However, the company has said that many people who book three or four-night stays with them at other sites then go on to "explore the area as well".

Center Parcs Scotland/Float Digital A man and a child walk hand in hand through a wooded area towards a glass-panelled buildingCenter Parcs Scotland/Float Digital
The company hopes the site could be open by 2029

Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said it was "fantastic" to share their vision for the site in a new way.

"The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life and add to the real sense of anticipation that has been evident at recent consultation events," he said.

"It's one thing to describe what we're hoping to build, but seeing it laid out visually captures the ambition of what we're planning."

He said the company had worked hard to ensure its proposals reflected the feedback it had received from the community.

Center Parcs Scotland/Float Digital A woman relaxes beside a pool in a woodland areaCenter Parcs Scotland/Float Digital
The development could create up to 1,200 jobs