CENTER Parcs has unveiled a preliminary zoning plan for its proposed holiday village in the Borders.
The plan was revealed at a public exhibition at Lilliesleaf Village Hall, marking a significant step in the early planning stages.
This event was the first of four statutory public consultations scheduled before mid-May, allowing residents and stakeholders to review the early-stage zoning plan and provide feedback.
The zoning plan is not final and will be subject to change as technical work progresses and feedback is received in the coming months.
Key features of the plan include a long driveway from the west of the site, off the A7, proposed as the main access route into the village.
There are six designated zones where lodges may be situated, and potential locations for key buildings, including leisure, dining, and other essential amenities.
Areas containing heritage assets have been identified, with no development envisaged, and areas where existing woodland will be retained and enhanced, as well as new biodiversity initiatives, including wetlands, wildflower meadows, and lochs.
Proposed enhanced screening aims to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties while maintaining the area's natural beauty.
Colin McKinlay, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: "The unveiling of this zoning plan marks an important first step in bringing our vision for a Center Parcs village in the Scottish Borders to life.
"This early-stage plan provides a foundation for thoughtful development, ensuring that environmental, heritage, and community factors remain central to our approach.
"We are committed to listening to the local community as we refine our plans over the coming months, with the aim of submitting a formal planning application in the summer.
"We truly appreciate the feedback and engagement from those who attended today’s event and look forward to continuing these important conversations at our upcoming consultation events."
Future statutory public consultation events, which all run from 2pm to 7pm, will be held at Denholm Village Hall on Wednesday, March 26, Selkirk RFC on Thursday, April 24, and Hawick RFC on Tuesday, May 20.
In addition, Center Parcs will host a community open day at Hawick RFC on Wednesday, May 21, from 11am to 7pm.
Center Parcs has six villages across the UK and Ireland and more than 35 years of experience in offering family short breaks.
If planning permission is received for the Borders bid, the site three miles north of Hawick will become home to a holiday village of up to 700 lodges/apartments, the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the renowned Subtropical Swimming Paradise indoor water park, indoor/outdoor leisure and sports facilities, and retail and restaurant facilities, bars and coffee shops, as well as a local heritage centre.
During construction, the project is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs, with a commitment to engaging regional contractors where possible.
Once operational, the village will create approximately 1200 permanent, non-seasonal roles, providing diverse career opportunities for local people, including management positions.
The total investment to bring this new village to life is estimated at between £350 million and £400m.
