CENTER Parcs’ plans to build its first Scottish resort have been heralded as a ‘significant’ boost to Scotland’s construction sector.
The short break specialist has identified a site near Hawick in the Scottish Borders and signed an agreement with owners Buccleuch Group for 1,000 acres of land.
The holiday village – which would represent a £350-400 million investment – would follow a similar concept to Center Parcs’ six resorts in England and Ireland. The site is expected to extend to 400 acres and, if approved, could create around 800 jobs during the construction phase and 1,200 permanent roles once operational.
Paul Mitchell, operations director at the Scottish Building Federation, told Project Scotland that the decision acknowledges Scotland’s popularity as a holiday destination throughout the UK as well as its international reputation as an unbeatable experience.
“This news is a significant boost for the nation’s construction industry which has been facing a challenging operating environment recently,” he added. “The investment will provide great opportunities for our members and their workforces as well as providing an ongoing legacy to the tourism and hospitality industries in the Borders.
“Projects like this are key to providing the skilled jobs and apprenticeships that help our sector remain a vital contributor to the Scottish economy.”
A full planning application for the project is planned to be submitted in early 2025.
