by LESTER CROSS
Today's announcement of a £400 million tourism investment by Center Parcs to create their first Scottish holiday resort represents the largest single financial injection of its kind for the Scottish Borders economy, bringing with it hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds in extra spending power.
The massive development is earmarked for a 1,000 acre site close to the A7 trunk road some three miles north of Hawick. The land is currently part of Buccleuch Estates, the region's largest landowner.
According to some campaigners, the delivery of the Center Parcs centre will strengthen the case for an extension of the Borders railway, at least as far as Hawick. But that could still be a long way off.
Statements issued today revealed that the proposals are at an early stage and Center Parcs intends to submit a planning application to Scottish Borders Council in 2025.
During the construction phase of the project, the company estimates 750-800 regional jobs will be created, and management has pledged to use local contractors.
The site will include a range of indoor and outdoor activities, shops, bars, restaurants, an Aqua Sana Forest Spa and Center Parcs’ iconic indoor water park, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Center Parcs also plans to undertake an extensive programme of tree planting as currently, to transform the site by expanding existing woods.
Representatives of the holiday firm outlined their plans in Hawick to a gathering of community leaders and business and political representatives. The project could transform the economy of the town which has struggled to attract jobs and investment in recent years.
Colin McKinlay, chief executive officer of Center Parcs, said: “This is a tremendously exciting project and offers the opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs is an exceptionally popular destination for families in the UK and Ireland and there is robust demand to support a seventh village.
“Throughout our history, we have demonstrated that a Center Parcs village provides significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally."
He pointed out that many Scottish families already visited Center Parcs villages in England, and this village would offer the chance for people to enjoy holidays closer to home, which in turn would benefit the local economy."
He added: “We are at an early stage with these proposals and have a lengthy and thorough planning process ahead. We have already conducted a significant number of surveys to assess the site and we intend to continue with additional site surveys and design development, alongside a programme of pre-planning application consultation and community engagement.”
The estimated investment to build the new village will be between £350 million to £400m.
Benny Higgins, executive chairman of the Buccleuch Group, said: “This project promises to have an outstandingly positive impact on tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders and we are delighted to have signed an option agreement that will enable Center Parcs to take the next steps towards fulfilling its ambitions.”
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