The Social Hub sets sail for Edinburgh with plans for new hub in Fountainbridge

The Social Hub announces plans for a hospitality and community venue in Edinburgh. With this second hotel in the UK, the group further expands its European presence. The concept will bring together travellers, business people, local residents and students.

The group, founded by Edinburgh-born Charlie MacGregor, is in advanced negotiations for a plot on the former Fountain Brewery site in Fountainbridge. The site has lain fallow for more than 20 years, since the local brewery was closed and demolished. The project is part of a prestigious area development led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes. The wider plans for Fountainbridge include hundreds of new homes, office and retail space and the creation of high-quality public spaces.   

The plans, submitted on behalf of The Social Hub by Montagu Evans and Hawkins Brown, represent an investment of around €227 million. The project will create one hundred jobs and provide accommodation with five hundred and sixty beds. In addition to hotel rooms and long-term accommodation options, which should ease pressure on Edinburgh's housing market, around one-fifth of the rooms will be reserved for student accommodation. Plans also include an expanded coworking space for three hundred people. A welcome addition as the supply of office space in the city dwindles. There will also be communal event spaces, fitness and wellness facilities, a bar, restaurant and a fully accessible landscaped outdoor space. All under one roof. 

The Social Hub organises public events to present the vision for the site. There are also opportunities for interested parties to visit the hub and experience its positive impact for themselves. Since the opening of The Social Hub in Candleriggs, Glasgow in 2024, the site has served as a catalyst for the transformation of the ‘Golden Z’ area of the city centre. The project brings new life to the lower part of Argyle Street and surrounding streets. The hybrid hospitality destination also plays an active role in the city's cultural life, hosting major events ranging from international comedy and film festivals to The Better Society Academy - with John Swinney, Scotland's first minister, as keynote speaker - through the TSH Talent Foundation of the brand.  

The Social Hub, a certified B Corp, is known for its award-winning hybrid model that creates social impact, transforms underused public spaces and encourages community-building. For example, the Glasgow-based hub hosts more than 600 events a year, ranging from film premieres and cooking classes to yoga sessions and skills training. 

Charlie MacGregor, founder and CEO of The Social Hub: “This is a personal moment for me and something I have been working towards for years. Edinburgh is my hometown and part of my DNA. This is my chance to give something back and contribute to a bold, positive future for Fountainbridge. We invite the local community to help shape our hubs and encourage everyone to share their views on our plans.” 

“The success in Glasgow has shown what we can achieve in Scotland with The Social Hub. I look forward to making the same impact in Edinburgh. The Social Hub is more than a place to stay, it is a hub where people from all walks of life come together, contribute to a better society and achieve extraordinary things.” 

Nick Waugh, Commercial Property Director at Buccleuch: “We are very pleased to be working with The Social Hub to bring the last major component of the master plan to life, giving the site the perfect new use.”