New community liaison officer appointed for Center Parcs’ Scottish Borders village

New community liaison officer appointed for Center Parcs' Scottish Borders village

Paul Hogarth

Center Parcs has appointed a community liaison officer ahead of the first in a series of sessions discussing its plans for a new £400 million holiday village in the Scottish Borders.

Paul Hogarth, a familiar figure in Hawick and the wider Scottish Borders, brings extensive experience to the role, with more than 40 years’ expertise in major development projects.

Paul has been instrumental in the development of the Hawick Local Place Plan - a community-led initiative that outlines strategies for local land use and development. He will act as a key point of contact for local residents, tenants, landowners and groups, dedicating his time to ensuring open communication throughout the project.



The drop-in event will take place at Hawick Rugby Football Club on Wednesday 12 February, from 11am to 7pm. Senior leaders from Center Parcs will be present to share an overview of the plans, answer questions and gather feedback ahead of the formal planning application submission later this year.

If approved, the proposed Center Parcs village could have a transformative social, economic and environmental effect on the Scottish Borders.  

Embodying the same concept as Center Parcs’ existing locations across the UK and Ireland, it is planned that the village will feature up to 700 lodges, offering guests a blend of indoor and outdoor activities, an array of retail and dining options, the signature Aqua Sana Forest Spa, and the renowned Subtropical Swimming Paradise indoor water park.

During construction, the project is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs, with a strong focus on engaging regional contractors wherever possible. Once operational, the village will create approximately 1,200 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.



Colin McKinlay, chief executive officer of Center Parcs, said: “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring a Center Parcs village to the Scottish Borders, creating a fantastic destination for families while delivering significant economic and social benefits to the local area. Ensuring excellent community engagement is fundamental to everything we do, and this public presentation is a vital part of ensuring we work in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders from the very beginning.

“I am also pleased to welcome Paul Hogarth to our team. Paul’s deep connection to the local community will enhance our local engagement efforts and aid us in building strong relationships across the region.”

Paul Hogarth added: “As someone with my roots in Hawick and the Scottish Borders, I am delighted to take on this role and support the planning application process for a project that I believe will bring transformational benefits to the region. My priority is to listen to local voices and ensure that we work together to develop plans that respect and enhance what the region already has to offer. I look forward to meeting local people at the public meetings and pre-planning exhibitions in the months ahead.”

Since the announcement of the project in November, Center Parcs has been actively engaging with local community council meetings and has been encouraged by the constructive feedback, as well as enthusiasm for the proposed development.



The forthcoming event is an opportunity for local residents, communities and groups to learn more about the proposed development and to share their thoughts and ideas with the team. Further exhibitions and events are planned in the coming months as the project progresses and Center Parcs is able to share greater detail about its vision.

Event Details:

•    What: Public drop-in session for Center Parcs’ proposed Scottish Borders village
•    When: Wednesday 12 February, 11am-7pm
•    Where: Hawick Rugby Football Club, Mansfield Park, Mansfield Rd, Hawick TD9 8AW

Share icon
Share this article: