The B Corp-certified The Social Hub, founded by Edinburgh-born Charlie MacGregor, has submitted proposals for the former Fountain Brewery site in Fountainbridge, which has stood vacant for around 20 years. The scheme forms part of the wider masterplan to regenerate the area and will help unlock affordable housing, now being progressed by the council, alongside a new canal-side public square designed to bring people together.
The proposals centre on a 580-bed facility spanning student, hotel, and extended-stay accommodation, helping to ease pressure on Edinburgh’s housing stock from student and visitor demand. The development will also deliver a fixed co-working area for up to 300 people, and flexible space for thousands more, in response to the acute shortage of high-quality city-centre offices, alongside a line-up of vibrant social spaces – a restaurant, café, rooftop bar, clubhouse, theatre, and a state-of-the-art gym – all designed to spark connection and creativity.
Last year The Social Hub held a series of public consultation events in Fountainbridge, with feedback from local residents directly informing the submitted plans. Community members were also invited to visit the group’s Glasgow hub to see first-hand how its model has helped energise and rejuvenate Merchant City and the wider city centre.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
