A £200m hospitality and community complex is being proposed in Edinburgh after The Social Hub confirmed it is in advanced talks over a plot at the former Fountain Brewery site in Fountainbridge.
The land, which has been vacant for about 20 years, forms part of a wider redevelopment led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes that includes new homes, offices, retail units and public spaces.
Planning documents submitted by Montagu Evans and Hawkins Brown outline a 560-bed development, with extended-stay rooms aimed at easing pressure on the city’s housing stock alongside hotel suites and student accommodation. The plans also include coworking space for up to 300 people, community event rooms, gym and wellness facilities, a bar and restaurant, and a fully accessible landscaped area.
The Social Hub intends to hold public consultations in Fountainbridge on 8 December and 26 January. Visits to its Glasgow site will also be arranged to show how the company’s model operates in practice.
The group opened its first UK venue in Glasgow in 2024, where it has been positioned as part of the ongoing regeneration of the city centre’s Golden Z area. The Glasgow hub hosts more than 600 events each year, ranging from film premieres and cooking classes to yoga sessions and training workshops.
Charlie MacGregor, founder and chief executive of The Social Hub, said: “This is a very special moment for me; it’s something I’ve hoped for and worked towards for many years. Edinburgh is my home city and part of my DNA. This is an opportunity to give something back and help shape a bold, positive future for Fountainbridge.
“The success of Glasgow has shown what we can achieve in Scotland and I am so excited to see how we can make the same kind of impact in this wonderful city.”
Nick Waugh, commercial property director at Buccleuch Property, added: “We are delighted to be working with The Social Hub to provide the last important piece of the approved masterplan and such a complementary use for the site.”
