Center Parcs will transform the hospitality industry in the Scottish Borders if its plans are given the go-ahead, according to a planning application for the development.

The £400m leisure resort, first announced last November, would result in a 55% increase to hospitality accommodation, with 356,700 annual overnight visitors, more than the total for the Borders as a whole in 2023.

There would be a 196,200 increase in annual day visitors to the wider Borders area, each spending an average of £45, or £8.8m in total.

Center Parcs want to build its first Scottish holiday village at Huntlaw Farm just off the A7, between Hawick and Selkirk.

It would feature 700 lodges, a ‘subtropical’ swimming pool, indoor leisure facilities, spa, retail shops, bars, coffee shops and restaurant facilities.

There will be two newly-created lochs designed for water sports and recreation, a combined Nature and Heritage Centre, and wildflower meadow.

To coincide with the Borders submission, Center Parcs has released a new series of computer-generated images (CGIs) showcasing the village design.

It is expected to support between 750 and 800 jobs during the construction phase and create approximately 1,200 permanent roles once operational.

The company has six holiday villages in England and Ireland but, despite once being owned by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries, it has never had one in Scotland.

South of Scotland Enterprise chair Russel Griggs said: “We are proud to have played a role in helping shape a proposal that aligns with our vision for a thriving, sustainable South of Scotland. 

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Center Parcs as the project progresses, ensuring that the region is well-positioned to maximise the economic, environmental and social opportunities this development presents.”