Center Parcs has announced that the construction of its 5th UK village, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, will commence in the next few weeks.

The construction phase will last for approximately two years, with a scheduled opening date now set for Spring 2014.

This announcement follows the completion of all the requirements of planning consent, including the construction of a new roundabout at Millbrook, the diversion of Public Rights of Way and creation of new bridleways and cycle paths around the site. On the 28th February 2012, together with owners Blackstone, Center Parcs secured the £250m funding to commence the construction phase. The principal contractors for the project will be formally announced shortly and are expected to start the major infrastructure phase of the project in the next few weeks.

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The project received backing from the Prime Minister, who recognised the economic importance of Woburn Forest, David Cameron commented: "Center Parcs is much loved by many and this new site is not only great news for holiday makers but great news for the economy too. This expansion and the jobs that it brings will be a real boost to growth and a sign of the increasing investor confidence that there is too."

Center Parcs Woburn Forest will create in excess of 1200 jobs during the construction phase alone, and then a further 1500 jobs once the village is open, the vast majority of which will be from the local area. The village will also provide a significant economic boost to the county.

(CD/GK)