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Community pushes for active travel path before Center Parcs arrival

May 14, 2026, 3:19 PM10
(Update: May 14, 2026, 3:19 PM)
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town in Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK
town in Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK

Community pushes for active travel path before Center Parcs arrival

  • A £12m travel path aims to connect Hawick and Selkirk before the opening of Center Parcs.
  • Community feedback is being collected through an online consultation initiated in March 2026.
  • Successful implementation of the path could significantly impact local infrastructure in the coming years.
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In Scotland, a proposed £12m multi-use active travel pathway linking the towns of Hawick and Selkirk could become a priority as the region prepares for the opening of Center Parcs. The consultation period for community feedback began in March 2026 and was followed by an open meeting in Hawick where plans were discussed. Selkirkshire Councillor Leagh Douglas emphasized the need for alternative travel methods due to the anticipated influx of visitors once the holiday park opens. Center Parcs is undergoing a £450m development near Hawick, set to become the first of its kind in Scotland, with an expected opening date in 2029, potentially creating around 1,200 permanent jobs. Some pathways already exist along parts of the proposed route, but improvements are necessary in other sections to make it functional. Douglas is seeking community feedback to refine the proposed travel route as it is crucial for local infrastructure, especially with the impending impact of the Center Parcs project. She stressed the importance of public input in determining whether such plans move forward and expressed her commitment to prioritize the pathway's development if community interest is strong. Ultimately, the pathway's implementation aims to enhance local connectivity and support sustainable travel options, meeting the needs of residents and tourists alike as the new holiday destination takes shape.

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