Centre Parks has announced plans for a brand new village between the towns of Howick and Selkirk on the Scottish border. And with the first zoning blueprint released yesterday (March 4), the company is setting the stage for the first phase of development. The company “admired the “pictorial places” of the rolling hills and open countryside, providing fantastic views on every turn.
The plan remains tentative and opens revisions, but marks the launch of a project aimed at providing an idyllic, family-friendly escape in the area. “The announcement of this zoning plan is an important first step towards realizing the vision for Centre Parks Village, located on the Scottish border,” said Colin McKinley.
Colin also emphasized the importance of community opinion. “This early stage planning provides a foundation for thoughtful development and ensures that environmental, heritage and community factors will remain central to our approach. We are committed to listening to our community as we narrow our plans over the coming months with the aim of submitting formal planning applications in the summer.”
He added: “We are truly grateful for the feedback and engagement from those who attended today's event and look forward to continuing these important conversations at upcoming consultation events.”
Where is the new Centre Park?
The park opens on the Scottish border and sits north of Howick and south of Selkirk. This place is about 90 minutes from Newcastle and Edinburgh, or a 7 hour drive from London.
Historic homes, magnificent Abbeys, impressive castles, ancient ruins lined with historic landscapes, and diverse wildlife such as the Osprey, Golden Eagles, red squirrels and deer.
In addition to taking advantage of the area's natural beauty, CentrePark plans to plant many new trees and turn the current open grassland into lush forests to enhance the environment.
What will the new Centre Park look like?
Visitors are looking forward to around 700 self-sufficient lodges designed for family stays, along with a subtropical water park with slides, rides and pools. There is a wealth of activities to meet all tastes, whether indoors, outdoors, or aquatic sports.
For relaxation, Forest Spa will be available, and dining options include a variety of family-friendly restaurants.
The ambitious new zoning plan for the village will include many features, including the main access route from the A7, six zones of lodge accommodation, and areas specialising in leisure, dining and other essential amenities.
The plan also prioritizes the importance of heritage and the environment, along with improved screening to protect adjacent properties and maintain natural beauty by strengthening wetlands, pastures, and lakes.
Center Parcs has pledged to reveal details about the village's offering as the project develops.
Questions regarding the village completion date remain unanswered as they rely on planning permission. Center Parcs usually indicates that the village will open around three years after planning approval.
Depending on whether the new site caters to families with young children or with specific accessibility requirements, Centre PARC guarantees on its website.
