We live in UK town bracing for new Center Parcs - it's a godsend but there's 1 big problem

has unveiled detailed plans for its first holiday village in Scotland which will be located near in the Scottish Borders - and local residents are mostly pleased at the prospect. The £400 million development is set to open in 2029 and would feature around 700 lodges alongside various tourist amenities, potentially creating about 1,200 jobs in a huge boost to the south of Scotland.

The company is currently hosting its final public consultation, with events held at Hawick Rugby Club to showcase the updated masterplan and answer community questions before formally submitting the planning application. Once submitted, the council will open the proposal for public comments.

Many locals are highly enthusiastic about the economic boost, job creation, and new opportunities the project could bring to the area though some have reportedly also expressed concern over one big problem - the loss of countryside and farmland. The exact amount of farmable land to be lost hasn't been specified, but it is estimated that around 1,000 acres of land will be used to build the Center Parcs. Mike Pederson, whose farm is around three metres away from the Center Parcs wrote on Facebook: "In a few years we will be transformed from farming and re-wilding to being on the edge of a 'city'. But, a great opportunity for Hawick and the Borders."

Doreen Garratt commented: "Where do people think our food is going to come from... we can't keep building on our farmland."

Robin Roams Hawick told the Express: "I meet many people here and everyone that looked into it thinks it's a brilliant thing for the area. I grew up when a Center Parcs moved close to my hometown and it totally lifted the place, especially Thetford."

Carol Kilpatrick said: "Think it will be amazing for Hawick to have these new jobs for people; other people coming to the town will be amazing for us to have."

Moira Sutherland added: "It's an opportunity for kids. There's not a lot of opportunity for work here in my eyes. This will be a godsend."

Angie Crozier Morrison also told the Express: I think it's fabulous for our town Hawick and surrounding areas... be a superb asset for local people and people from all over."

Jackie Johnstone said: "Hopefully roads will improve like at A7, it is needing more passing lanes and repairs done to it as the majority of guests to Center Parcs will travel by car."

Debra, however, wrote on Facebook: "I can't help but cringe.. it's good for the area... but such vast countryside gone.. and lots of people." Robert Dick also said: "I still think it will cause more harm than good for the area."

A spokesperson from Center Parcs UK told the Express: "The site of our proposed village in Scotland is currently predominantly grassland, partially used for grazing.

"Our proposal will see less than half of the area of the overall site developed, and we will be looking to plant a huge number of trees, as well as creating both wildflower meadow and wetland areas, all of which will significantly boost biodiversity across the site."

Stuart Marshall, Councillor for Hawick & Denholm told the Express: "When news broke several months ago that Centre Parcs were keen to expand their business only a couple of miles north of the town I personally thought I was dreaming the whole situation.

"After all, my hometown down the years has suffered more than its fair share of mill closures, redundancies, and devastating flooding. Today, it feels as if overnight, Hawick has won the Lottery, and the mood within my community is now one of sheer excitement.

"The knitwear and textile industry is now thankfully punching well above its weight, and with the recently completed £100 million flood prevention scheme that now protects our community, I really do think that news of Centre Parcs coming to our area is without doubt the icing on the cake! Finally, after years of economic decline, Hawick could now be well on the way to turning the corner."

He added: "At the moment our town is buzzing, and with yet another 2 day public consultation event being staged in the town this week, then it's fair to say that the community is just completely overjoyed at what its future possibly looks like.

"Massive permanent job creation, local businesses benefitting immensely and the prospect of new career opportunities for so many, then I'm confident our town will reap huge benefits from this news.

"It is fantastic to see the management at Center Parcs staging so many community events , engaging with community leaders and genuinely reaching out to seek as many public views as possible and I do feel they are listening to everyone.

"Such extensive consultation is a vital part of the entire process and from what I have witnessed so far it's been hugely welcomed and appreciated.

"Such a major investment will have a massive and positive economic impact on our town and indeed the entire region, but we in Hawick now need to get ourselves into gear in order to welcome the thousands of visitors who may wish to stop , shop and explore enroute as what my beautiful town has to offer.

"This news is without doubt the massive shot in the arm that my community has been crying out for, and I for one hope that by Center Parcs coming to our area that it will also act as a catalyst to expand the Borders Railway from nearby Tweedbank and onto Hawick.

"I'm delighted that Center Parcs have fully recognised what both Hawick and indeed the wider Scottish Borders has to offer by way of tourism, and I can't wait for the day when it opens to doors to the public."

Scottish Borders Council Leader, Euan Jardine, told the Express: "When I first met with Center Parcs to discuss investing in the Scottish Borders, it was one of those 'am I dreaming?' moments. As a rural authority, we don't often see opportunities of this scale for jobs, investment, and long-term growth.

"This is a major step forward for our region. We've always had an exceptional tourism offering, but this takes us from punching above our weight to becoming a true heavyweight destination.

"We've said for years that Scotland Starts Here and now Center Parcs is helping the world see why. This development brings families, opportunity, and fresh energy right to where Scotland begins.

"The Center Parcs team have been open, forward-thinking, and a pleasure to work with, and I know my colleagues and I look forward to building a strong partnership with them for years to come."