How Will the Upcoming Center Parcs Resort Redefine the UK Holiday Landscape?

The announcement of a new Center Parcs resort marks a significant milestone in the UK’s holiday industry, with plans for a major expansion set to revolutionize family vacations in Scotland. The location of this highly anticipated resort is in the Scottish Borders, situated between Hawick and Selkirk, just a short drive from major cities like Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

A Glimpse into the New Resort’s Design

The new resort will be the first Center Parcs in Scotland, with plans to break ground soon on a project set to welcome thousands of guests annually. The development will include 700 self-catering lodges designed for family stays, alongside a Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa, making it a top-tier destination for vacationers looking for relaxation and adventure. The overall investment for this project is estimated to be between £350m and £400m, with the resort expected to accommodate up to 3,500 guests at a time.

Initial zoning blueprints for the project have already been released, offering a glimpse into the scale and ambition of the resort. The development will be designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, ensuring that environmental and heritage concerns remain at the forefront throughout the construction process. The resort plans to build its own woodlands, a technique known as afforestation, as part of a bold initiative to create a sustainable and eco-friendly holiday destination. In total, thousands of trees will be planted on the site, which is currently largely made up of open grassland.

Center Parcs’ Commitment to Sustainability and Local Engagement

In line with the company’s environmental goals, the development will include wetlands, meadows, and lochs, as well as features designed to protect the surrounding areas from any negative impact. The project’s environmental significance has been prioritized, with plans for improved screening to protect the neighboring properties and natural beauty. In addition, Center Parcs has made it clear that it is committed to listening to the local community and addressing their concerns as the project evolves. It is expected that public consultations will take place in the coming months, with a formal planning application expected by summer.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, the company has emphasized that it aims to keep the economic impact of the resort within Scotland, given the large number of Scottish families that already visit other Center Parcs locations in the UK. By building a park in Scotland, Center Parcs hopes to further solidify its relationship with local residents and boost the region’s economy.

Center Parcs’ Expansion in the UK

The new Scottish Borders location will be the sixth Center Parcs resort in the UK, joining a network of popular parks that include Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest, Elveden Forest, and Woburn Forest. The company also operates a resort in Ireland, located in Longford Forest.

While all existing UK Center Parcs locations are situated within existing woodlands and forests, the new Scottish Borders site will feature afforestation, a process through which new woodlands will be created. This will help to enhance the natural landscape and create a more sustainable environment for future guests.

Impact on Travelers and the Travel Industry

The addition of a new Center Parcs location in Scotland is expected to have a wide-reaching impact on the travel industry, particularly for families and holidaymakers who are already familiar with the existing sites. For travelers, it provides an exciting new destination to consider when planning family trips in the UK. The development will likely drive interest in the Scottish Borders region and encourage more visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty.

The Future of Center Parcs

Although Center Parcs has not yet revealed an opening date, it has suggested that typically, a new village opens around three years after planning approval. As such, the new Scottish Borders park is likely to open in the coming years, providing a significant boost to the local economy and offering families even more options for their holiday breaks. Center Parcs’ success in the UK has proven that there is high demand for these types of resorts, and the company’s decision to expand further into Scotland is a clear response to that demand.

In fact, Center Parcs’ existing villages are reportedly at full capacity year-round, prompting the need for expansion. This move will help alleviate overcrowding in the current parks and cater to the increasing number of families looking for luxury, nature-based holidays in the UK.

A Personal Connection to Center Parcs

For many people, visiting Center Parcs is a family tradition, and countless guests have shared fond memories of their stays. From street dance classes to circuit training and other activities, Center Parcs has long been a go-to destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing getaway. Many guests return year after year, creating lasting memories in the company of loved ones.

As one traveler shared, they’ve been visiting Center Parcs since they were a child, and have since grown to appreciate the quiet environment for revising during exam periods and the thrill of riding the rapids for some light relief. With new generations now joining their families on trips to Center Parcs, the resort continues to create lasting memories for all ages.

A New Era for Center Parcs in Scotland

The expansion of Center Parcs to the Scottish Borders is a momentous development for the company, its loyal customers, and the travel industry as a whole. By creating a sustainable, environmentally-conscious holiday park, Center Parcs is setting a precedent for the future of family-focused resorts in the UK. This project will not only provide an exciting new destination for travelers but also stimulate the local economy and foster stronger community ties. As more families seek nature-based vacations, the new Scottish Borders resort will surely become a cherished addition to the growing Center Parcs family of destinations.