Hybrid hospitality pioneer The Social Hub will open a stunning new €150 million hub Florence – complete with the city’s largest rooftop garden with an Olympic length swimming pool this weekend (Saturday, February 1).
The 80,000 m² The Social Hub Belfiore is located in the San Jacopino district, close to the historic centre. It joins The Social Hub Lavagnini as the company’s second Florence property and is the latest step in the group’s belief in Italy and its commitment to contributing to the development of the Tuscan city.
The stunning new hub will prove a big draw for international visitors for business and leisure, and includes a 550-room, four-star hotel featuring a 7,000 m² rooftop with a public garden and an Olympic-length swimming pool; Tuscany’s largest coworking space with capacity for 500 professionals; and premium conference facilities for more than 300 guests. Other amenities include a gym, a shopping boulevard and additional public spaces.
Design
The Social Hub Belfiore has been six years in the making, developed by an in-house real estate team in partnership with Florence’s Studio Natalini. The modern design takes inspiration from Florence’s Renaissance heritage, creating a vibrant and functional setting. Interiors by Rizoma Architetture incorporate bright colours and green spaces, fostering an environment where people can work, stay and socialise.
The landscape, designed by Antonio Perazzi, includes Florence’s largest rooftop garden, with over 3,500 perennial plants, 500 shrubs and 55 trees, further enhancing the neighbourhood’s green public spaces.
Dining
The Social Hub Belfiore also aims to be a culinary destination, with a partnership led by renowned Florentine restaurateur Aldo Settembrini. The main restaurant, Ammodino, serves a modern take on Italian family-style dining, featuring handmade pasta and a wine list of more than 100 labels.
The hub also includes an outpost of Panificio Menchetti, a bakery established in 1948, offering fresh pizzas, panini and pastries made with locally sourced ingredients. A rooftop bar provides poolside refreshments throughout the year.
Community
Recently certified as a B Corporation, The Social Hub is committed to fostering a strong and inclusive community. The new location will host more than 600 events annually, ranging from language and cooking workshops to professional development sessions and fitness classes.
The Belfiore hub will also support scholarship recipients from the TSH Talent Foundation, an organisation that helps changemakers facing barriers to success. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses will encourage connections within the neighbourhood.
Charlie MacGregor, the Edinburgh-born CEO & Founder of The Social Hub, said: “When we first invested in Italy nearly a decade ago, many doubted our success. But through collaboration with the municipality, architects and local partners, we have created two thriving hubs in Florence. The Social Hub Belfiore reflects our evolving model—one that revitalises neighbourhoods by responding to their needs.”
The Social Hub Belfiore
Firenze, 50144
Italy
