Subtropical Swimming Paradise

A NEW CENTER PARCS BREAKS GROUND

Posted on May 5, 2026

£450 million village to create 1,200 jobs, new forest, and a landmark destination...

Work has officially begun on Center Parcs’ £450 million Scottish Borders development, marking a major milestone for one of the UK holiday park sector’s most significant upcoming investments. The project, located between Hawick and Selkirk, was formally launched with a ceremonial tree planting attended by John Swinney, alongside local schoolchildren and Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay.

The new village is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and contribute £75 million annually to the regional economy, underlining the growing role of large-scale leisure developments in driving rural growth. The Scottish Government has also committed up to £30 million in infrastructure funding to support the scheme.

A defining feature of the project is the creation of an entirely new forest— marking the first time Center Parcs has established woodland from scratch. Hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted, with more than 30 species, forming the natural environment that underpins the brand’s short-break offering.

SCHOOL CHILDREN HELP KICKSTART the creation of Center Parcs Scottish Borders’ brand- new forest, by planting the very first saplings.

For operators, the development highlights the increasing importance of environmental integration and long-term sustainability in new park schemes. Alongside up to 700 lodges, plans include signature Center Parcs amenities such as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa, as well as nature-led features including wetlands, wildflower meadows and activity trails.

The scheme also reflects a broader trend towards destination-led experiences, with two new lochs, a nature and heritage centre, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation designed to diversify appeal and extend dwell time.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the investment, with regional development agency South of Scotland Enterprise highlighting the potential for supply chain opportunities and SME growth. Set to open in 2029, the Scottish Borders village will be Center Parcs’ first new UK development since 2019— offering a clear signal of confidence in the long-term strength of the domestic holiday market.

For more information log on to: www.centerparcsscotland.co.uk

THE NEW VILLAGE WILL FEATURE Woodland, lochs, meadows, and nature trails, blending recreation with biodiversity.

SIX-UP FOR CENTER PARCS IN UK

Posted on August 6, 2021

SIX-UP FOR CENTER PARCS IN UK

WEST SUSSEX has been identified as the sixth UK village site for Center Parcs with trademark accommodation like these waterside lodges at Elveden Forest.

Center Parcs has confirmed it has identified a site for its sixth UK village having secured an option agreement to acquire 553 acres of woodland off Balcombe Road in Worth, West Sussex. The forest at Oldhouse Warren, near Crawley, has been chosen because of its location (to the south of London) and its excellent transport links. The development is expected to cost between £350m and £400m and will create around 1,500 permanent local jobs once operational, as well as around 1,000 jobs during construction.

Center Parcs anticipate the development will add an additional £40m to the local economy each year. CEO Martin Dalby said: “It’s really exciting to have identified a potential site for another Center Parcs village in the UK. “The proposal we will be submitting will create a significant number of jobs and bring major benefits to the local and national economy.” Center Parcs has five villages across the UK and Ireland; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest inWiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria,Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and Longford Forest in County Longford, Ireland.

Each village is nestled within 350- 400 acres of woodland with a variety of activities to choose from, restaurants and cafes. There is also a Subtropical Swimming Paradise and award-winning spa called Aqua Sana. As the leader in the UK short break holiday market, Center Parcs achieves average annual occupancy in excess of 97%. Center Parcs’ villages are sympathetically designed to blend into the existing landscape, with no visual impact on the surrounding area, and the company is committed to both protecting and enhancing the forests in which their holiday villages are located.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Center Parcs ethos and the new village will be constructed and operated in the most sustainable way possible. Hoping to submit a planning application in 2022, work is now underway on rigorous site surveys, detailed designs and pre-planning works to make sure the woodland meets the specific requirements for a Center Parcs village, as well as beginning a programme of community engagement with the local area. In line with the other Center Parcs villages, it is intended that the site at Oldhouse Warren will include lodges, a range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a variety of restaurants and shops and an Aqua Sana Spa.

Red Letter Year For Center Parcs

Posted on February 11, 2014

Red Letter Year For Center Parcs

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be one of the highlights at the new Woburn Forest Center Parcs site.

2014 is set to be a red letter year for Center Parcs as it takes the wraps off its new 365 acre site at Woburn Forest, the fifth of its UK villages.
The £250 million Woburn Forest village will comprise of 625 forest lodges, a 75 bedroom hotel, a spa with associated spa suites and two leisure buildings including indoor sports facilities, restaurants and retail outlets. It will also include outdoor sports and leisure facilities and a 17,000m² lake.

A spokesperson for Center Parcs reveals: “Each of our villages have their own distinct characteristics and Woburn Forest is no different – it is an undulating area of forest and its own unique mixture of local wildlife.

“All of the leisure buildings and lodges are uniquely designed and built to nestle into the landscape to be close to nature. The subtropical swimming paradise is a completely new design, with a glazed front and curved shape to fit into the land behind it.”

An iconic part of all Center Parcs villages, the subtropical swimming paradises are one of the most popular elements of a Center Parcs break, with over 90% of guests visiting the swimming venue during their stay.

In spite of Woburn Forest being the smallest Center Parcs village, it will have the largest subtropical pool facility in the UK, featuring the Wild Water Rapids outside with views of the forest landscape. The Woburn water facilities will include a wave pool, toddler pool, family play area, lazy river and three new water rides that will be unique to Woburn Forest.

The completion date for the leisure buildings is January 2014.

The completion date for the leisure buildings is January 2014.

Charles Neuman of Water Technology Inc. who designed the Woburn Forest pool said: “The designs of the new subtropical swimming paradise are the result of a culmination of 25 years of experience and lots of research into what modern families want. We have taken the best from the existing four villages and added new exciting elements to give guests at Woburn Forest a unique and special water experience.”

Construction of the village began in September 2012 and has remained on track, despite the challenging winter weather conditions. The buildings will all be water-tight by the end of the year with many of the final touches and preparations happening in early 2014.
Once completed in the spring, Woburn Forest is expected to welcome over 400,000 visitors per year and will employ 1,500 staff on a permanent basis, the majority of whom, from the local area.