CENTER Parcs has said its procurement programme for work on its first Scottish site will accelerate in 2027.
The news comes as construction progresses at the Scottish Borders site on the £450 million project, which is scheduled to open in 2029 – with £212 million expected to be contributed in gross value added to the Scottish economy during construction.
Several Scottish businesses have already secured contracts on the project including D.E. Fencing, based in St Boswells, which is installing the village perimeter fencing and working with Center Parcs to incorporate measures supporting local wildlife movement.
RJ McLeod has been delivering enabling works, including the new entrance road and key highway improvements, connecting the development safely to the surrounding road network.
Further major contracts are expected to be awarded over the coming months, including packages covering the construction of lodges and central buildings, Center Parcs said.
At an event held at the Scottish Parliament on September 30, Center Parcs presented an update on the Scottish Borders village. Scottish Government minister for business and fair work, Tom Arthur MSP, made the closing remarks at the event.
Some 1,200 permanent jobs are expected to be created once the village becomes operational, alongside further employment opportunities through local and regional supply chains.
Large-scale recruitment is expected to begin in 2028, however, work to develop the future workforce is already underway. Center Parcs is working with local schools, Borders College and employability organisations to understand future skills requirements and ensure local people are prepared to access the opportunities being created. Career fairs and community recruitment events will also be held as the recruitment programme accelerates.
Center Parcs added that the positions will be permanent roles, rather than seasonal employment or zero-hours contracts, and around half of the future workforce is expected to be made up of young people, with opportunities spanning a wide range of areas including housekeeping, leisure, food & beverage, beauty therapy, engineering and management positions.
Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said, “This project is moving from aspiration to reality as the project gathers pace towards opening in 2029. Construction is underway, Scottish businesses are already delivering contracts, and preparations have begun for the 1,200 permanent jobs the village will create.
“The economic benefits are already being felt across the Scottish Borders, with further major contracts to come. We want to maximise opportunities for local businesses, suppliers and communities, building long-term partnerships across the Borders and Scotland whilst ensuring the benefits of Center Parcs are felt as widely as possible.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP, sponsoring the event at the Scottish Parliament, said, “It is fantastic to see the Center Parcs development gathering pace and already creating opportunities for people and businesses across the Scottish Borders.
“This exciting investment will bring 1,200 jobs and help local businesses to grow and expand.
“I look forward to seeing local communities and our economy continue to benefit as this project progresses.”
