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Metro
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Centre Parcs reveals first pictures of new £400,000,000 village in Scotland
Center Parcs fans have been given a glimpse of what the brand new holiday park will look like when it opens in 2029. A new video takes viewers on a virtual tour of the site, featuring familiar amenities, such as waterside lodges, the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Sports Plaza, and the beloved Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Plans for the new park – the first in Scotland – were first unveiled back in November. Initial zoning blueprints gave a glimpse into the scale of the project, which will feature 700 self-catering lodges designed for family stays. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Center Parcs is the UK's most visited holiday park, delighting guests with its woodland setting huge variety of activities – and those all important rapids. Here's what we know about the new Scotland Center Parcs so far. Frequent guests of Center Parcs will see that the new park has everything you'd expect from one of their villages. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is adorned with foliage, a transparent greenhouse-like ceiling, and features both indoor and outdoor pools and waterways. There is also a child's play area, with a small slide and lots of places to splash around in. Images also reveal that this village too will have a Pancake House – a much-loved family friendly dining option – although we're yet to see if there will also be a Treats (the confectionary shop) or on-site Cafe Rouge or Huck's American Bar and Grill. It's perhaps not surprising to see that this site also has some of the newer features, not in place at all Center Parcs forests. For example, there will be Waterside Lodges, which are currently only available to book at Elveden Forest, Suffolk. These two-storey detached lodges feature a wood deck and balconies for views over the 'loch' featuring a sandy beach, again, another feature at all Center Parcs. The Aqua Sana Forest Spa is also featured, and while no specific details have been revealed, it's speculated that the Scottish spa will offer state-of-the-art features. For example, at the Aqua Sana Forest Spa in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, there's a treetop sauna, not currently available at any other village's spa. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: 'It's fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community. 'The flythrough video and 3D model really help bring the plans to life.' The first ever in Scotland, the new park will be in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and south of Selkirk – around a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle, or two hours from Glasgow. In a statement, the firm praised the 'picturesque location' for its 'rolling hills and open countryside providing stunning scenery at every turn.' The village, which it said to 'represent an investment of £350m-£400m' will be able to welcome 3,500 guests at a time, with plans showing the main access route leading from the A7. Although Center Parcs has yet to reveal a specific opening date, McKinlay said it is expected to welcome guests from early 2029. Typically, a village opens around three years after planning approval. Center Parcs previously claimed the new site was necessary as its 'existing villages are pretty much full all year round and we feel there is strong demand for another Center Parcs in the UK.' The company also added that picking a site in Scotland was no coincidence, with its website reading: 'We have a lot of Scottish families who visit Center Parcs already and this is a great opportunity to keep their economic impact in Scotland.' There are currently five Center Parcs in the UK: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest, Elveden Forest, Woburn Forest. There's also one village in Ireland: Longford Forest. More Trending Each of these villages was developed in existing woodlands and forests, but this time, Center Parcs will be planting its own, in a process known as afforestation. 'Thousands of trees' will to be planted on the site – which is 'currently mostly open grassland' – to create a brand new woodland, in what the company calls 'a bold, new approach'. The plan also prioritises heritage and environmental significance, with additions like wetlands, meadows, and lochs, as well as improved screening to protect neighbouring properties and natural beauty. Metro's Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, has spent many family holiday at a Center Parcs village. She says: 'I've been going to Center Parcs with my family since I was in primary school. 'As a child, I signed up to some weird and wonderful activities: from street dance (picture the instructor as an older Raygun) to an oft-regretted two days making a music video to Madness' Baggy Trousers (I was about nine at the time, and was more of an S Club fan). 'There was also a few bizarre years when I was big into circus skills. I'm still yet to find a real-world use for my diablo practice. 'As I got older, I was lucky enough to call Center Parcs my retreat amid GCSE and A-Level stress. A place to revise among the quiet, before throwing myself head first down the rapids for some light relief. 'Mind you, whatever my age, cycling up the hills (particularly those in Longleat Forest) has become no easier – to the point where I've now ditched the two wheels for two feet instead. 'I've celebrated some pretty important milestones in a Center Parcs village: the final episode of Friends, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, to name just a few. 'I've visited the village up in Cumbria, the one down in Bedford, and all the others in between – meaning I've been to every single one in the UK (although I haven't ticked the Irish site off my list). 'The village in Woburn is small and compact, and less than an hour away from London, but my favourite is probably Elveden, with its huge lake (try cable water skiing) and award-winning water ride, the Tropical Cyclone. 'I only have happy memories (apart from that one time my mum tore her Achilles during an ill-fated game of badminton, but that's a story for another day), and now the visits are less frequent, but still just as fun. Circus skills have been swapped for spa days, and I've been drunk on a bike on more occasions that I care to admit here. 'Now, we're joined by my young niblings – a new generation of my family is becoming equally as obsessed with Treats (iykyk) as I am. 'Center Parcs is far from a budget holiday, but it's worth saving up for – I can't wait to go back.' This article was first published on November 6, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Martin Lewis warns parents of 16-year-olds to 'act now' or lose £1,355 a year MORE: I've been to 50 countries — there's only one I'll never return to MORE: Missing British student Lewis Jack's body found on Australia's Gold Coast
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Center Parcs unveils incredible video of new Scottish resort with waterside lodges & subtropical swimming pool
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CENTER Parcs has given holidaymakers a glimpse into its new Scottish resort - complete with waterslide lodges and a subtropical swimming pool. The tourism giant is set to open the exciting new location in the Scottish Borders by early 2029. 10 The proposed site is located three miles north of Hawick and will feature around 700 lodges Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 The park will have many different areas including a pancake house and waterfront Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 A village will include a relaxing Aqua Sana Forest Spa Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 A new flythrough video of the holiday village gives the public a first look at what it could become Credit: Center Parcs Scotland And a brand new flythrough video of the holiday village is giving the public a first look at what it could become. The footage takes viewers on a virtual tour of the site, three miles north of Hawick, Roxburghshire, featuring waterside lodges, apartments and lochs. There's also an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a 'subtropical swimming paradise', sports plaza, and the planned Nature and Heritage Centre. It was revealed during the final stage of public consultation, held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Hawick. The event marks a major milestone in the development process. Attendees in Hawick were able to view the updated masterplan, a 3D physical model of the proposed village centre and spa, and new CGI visuals showcasing the design of the lodges and central facilities. Center Parcs is set to submit a planning application this summer to Scottish Borders Council. The proposed site will feature around 700 lodges. The Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions. The total investment is estimated at between £350million and £400million. Center Parcs reveals hugenew holiday resort opening in the UK During construction, the project is expected to create between 750 and 800 jobs, with a strong emphasis on working with regional contractors. Once open, the village will provide approximately 1,200 permanent, year-round roles, offering a wide range of career opportunities for local people, including positions in management. Since early 2025, Center Parcs has carried out a programme of community engagement. This included a community day in Hawick and statutory drop-in events in Lilliesleaf, Denholm and Selkirk, culminating in this week's two-day consultation in Hawick. Feedback from these events has directly informed changes to the masterplan, helping shape the final proposal. Following this final consultation, Center Parcs will make final refinements to the design before submitting its planning application. 10 The new site will feature a 'subtropical swimming paradise' Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 There will be lodges which look out over the water Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 The total investment is estimated at between £350million and £400million Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 10 Center Parcs plans to submit a planning application this summer to Scottish Borders Council Credit: Center Parcs Scotland Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: "It's fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community. "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. "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. "We've worked hard to ensure this proposed village reflects the feedback we've received from the community and stakeholders over the past few months. "From the layout of the lodges to how the central areas integrate with the forest setting, every element has been carefully considered. "This is about creating a destination that not only brings joy to families but also respects and enhances the local environment. "This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation investment for the Scottish Borders. "If approved, our village between Hawick and Selkirk will create over a thousand high-quality, permanent jobs and provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses. "We're incredibly excited about what this could mean for the region and look forward to continuing our journey with the community as we prepare to submit our planning application." 10 The Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities Credit: Center Parcs Scotland
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
First pictures of UK's brand new Center Parcs show off overwater lodges, tropical lazy river and ‘sports loch'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first images of what the new Center Parcs holiday village will look like in Scotland have been revealed. Center Parcs has unveiled a flythrough video of its proposed new holiday village in the Scottish Borders. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 The park will have many different areas including a pancake house and waterfront Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will also be a subtropical swimming paradise, with a lazy river Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 For a spot of luxury, there will be the Aqua Sana Forest Spa Credit: Center Parcs Scotland The video takes viewers on a virtual tour of the site, featuring the arrivals road, waterside lodges, apartments, lochs, Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Sports Plaza, and the planned Nature and Heritage Centre. Center Parcs plans to submit a planning application this summer to Scottish Borders Council. The proposed site is located three miles north of Hawick and will feature around 700 lodges. The Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions. The total investment for the new village is estimated at between £350 million and £400 million. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: "[There will be a] two kilometre access road that would take you up to the start of the area where we're looking to develop. "You'll be met with a cycle centre, a spa, you'll be able to walk through a forest to an iconic view of our swimming pool consulate with up to about 700 lodges that'll be interspersed within the trees. "Together with a nature centre, a heritage centre, lots of outdoor activities as well." He added: "It's fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community. "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. Center Parcs reveals hugenew holiday resort opening in the UK "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. "This is about creating a destination that not only brings joy to families but also respects and enhances the local environment. "This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation investment for the Scottish Borders." If approved, the village will create over a thousand permanent jobs and provide ongoing opportunities for local businesses. 12 There will also be a nature and wetland area Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise will have both inside and outside areas Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The attraction is expected to attracted people both sides of the border Credit: Center Parcs Scotland He continued: "[It is] massively exciting. As a proud Scotsman to be able to bring Center Parcs to the Scottish Borders would be really, really exciting. "It's one where I think there's an opportunity for many people in Scotland to enjoy a Center Parcs resort as well as people from England coming up south of the border to enjoy the fabulous scenery in the Scottish Borders as well." McKinlay noted that the response to the project has been positive, with the reception from the people in the Scottish Borders being "fantastic". He also said that the consultation meetings have been a lot about listening to feedback from people who saw the proposed plans. 12 There will be a range of different activities also available Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The newly released CGI video shows the different zones and lodge types Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will be a two kilometre entrance lane to the site Credit: Center Parcs Scotland As a result of the meetings, some changes have been made including moving the position of some of the lodges and where more trees could be planted. "Fingers crossed if we get the planning permission then we would look to open in late spring, early summer of 2029," he concluded. In January, Center Parcs also revealed a new attraction at a UK park, which both kids and adults love. A mum has also revealed the affordable UK holiday park, which she says is like Center Parcs without the price tag. Plus, one of the world's oldest Center Parcs resorts has new farm experience and water playhouse. 12 Some of the lodges overlook a loch Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will be holiday apartments too Credit: Center Parcs Scotland
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
First pictures of UK's brand new Center Parcs show off overwater lodges, tropical lazy river and ‘sports loch'
THE first images of what the new Center Parcs holiday village will look like in Scotland have been revealed. Center Parcs has unveiled a flythrough video of its proposed new Advertisement 12 The park will have many different areas including a pancake house and waterfront Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will also be a subtropical swimming paradise, with a lazy river Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 For a spot of luxury, there will be the Aqua Sana Forest Spa Credit: Center Parcs Scotland The video takes viewers on a virtual tour of the site, featuring the arrivals road, waterside lodges, apartments, lochs, Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Sports Plaza, and the planned Nature and Heritage Centre. Center Parcs plans to submit a planning application this summer to Scottish Borders Council. The proposed site is located three miles north of Hawick and will feature around 700 lodges. The Scottish village will include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions. Advertisement Read more on Center Parcs The total investment for the new village is estimated at between £350 million and £400 million. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: "[There will be a] two kilometre access road that would take you up to the start of the area where we're looking to develop. "You'll be met with a pool consulate with up to about 700 lodges that'll be interspersed within the trees. "Together with a nature centre, a Advertisement Most read in News Travel He added: "It's fantastic to share a visual representation of our proposed Scottish village with the local community. "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. Center Parcs reveals hugenew holiday resort opening in the UK "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. "This is about creating a destination that not only brings joy to families but also respects and enhances the local environment. Advertisement "This has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation investment for the Scottish Borders." If approved, the village will create over a thousand permanent jobs and provide ongoing opportunities for 12 There will also be a nature and wetland area Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The Subtropical Swimming Paradise will have both inside and outside areas Credit: Center Parcs Scotland Advertisement 12 The attraction is expected to attracted people both sides of the border Credit: Center Parcs Scotland He continued: "[It is] massively exciting. As a proud Scotsman to be able to bring Center Parcs to the Scottish Borders would be really, really exciting. "It's one where I think there's an opportunity for many people in Scotland to enjoy a Center Parcs resort as well as people from England coming up south of the border to enjoy the fabulous scenery in the Scottish Borders as well." McKinlay noted that the response to the project has been positive, with the reception from the people in the Scottish Borders being "fantastic". Advertisement He also said that the consultation meetings have been a lot about listening to feedback from people who saw the proposed plans. 12 There will be a range of different activities also available Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The newly released CGI video shows the different zones and lodge types Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will be a two kilometre entrance lane to the site Credit: Center Parcs Scotland Advertisement As a result of the meetings, some changes have been made including moving the position of some of the lodges and where more trees could be planted. "Fingers crossed if we get the planning permission then we would look to open in late spring , early summer of 2029," he concluded. In January, A mum has also revealed the Advertisement Plus, 12 Some of the lodges overlook a loch Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 There will be holiday apartments too Credit: Center Parcs Scotland 12 The site is expect to open before 2030 Credit: Center Parcs Scotland Advertisement
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Center Parcs reveals opening date for seventh UK park – and it's sooner than you think
Center Parcs' seventh site could open as soon as 2029, according to its boss. Center Parcs currently has six sites across the UK and Ireland but none in Scotland. Advertisement 3 The newest plans reveal what the site could look like Credit: Center Parcs 3 It will be Centre Parcs' seventh site in the UK Credit: Alamy The first Scottish Center Parcs holiday village was announced last year and now the company's chief executive has said it could open by early 2029. The Scottish park is expected to have a wide range of facilities including the popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Family-friendly retail and dining options as well as adventure facilities such as tree trekking, adventure golf, and a zip wire will be on-site. In addition, there will also be wildflower meadows, nature walks and a wetlands. Advertisement Read more on holiday parks A dedicated Nature and Heritage Centre will be complete, with a restaurant and coffee shop. Colin McKinlay told benefits for the area, both during construction and once it is up and running. In total, the £400million project looks to build 700 lodges and accompanying tourist facilities on a site in Hawick. The company is aiming to submit its planning application this summer and start building in 2027. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Mr McKinlay said that the company had identified the Borders as a "real opportunity", according to the He added: "It fits so many of our criteria in terms of the area, in terms of the demographic profile of people around the area." UK's biggest indoor beach that's free to visit Mr McKinlay also explained how the company hopes to employ as many people as possible from the local area. In addition, he claimed the local area would benefit as visitors who stayed at the park for three or four nights, would be likely to "explore the area as well". Advertisement An assessment of the traffic and environmental impact of the Scottish park will also be carried out during the planning process. If both go as planned, then the company expects to welcome the first visitors within four years. Mr McKinlay added: [I]f we're successful, I would envisage us moving forward to a programme that would start building probably early in 2027 and hopefully opening as early as spring 2029." Full plans for the park are expected to be released in May. Advertisement Center Parcs currently attracts millions of visitors a year to its six sites across the UK and Ireland. Center Parcs has already released Plus, 3 The site will feature a Subtropical Swimming Paradise and an Aqua Sana Forest Spa Credit: Alamy Advertisement
