A new £200 million hospitality and community development is being proposed for the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh.
The Social Hub, the group behind the project, has confirmed it is in advanced talks for a site at the former Fountain Brewery, which has lain empty for around 20 years. This would be the group’s second UK location following the opening of its Glasgow hotel earlier this year.
The wider Fountainbridge site is part of a long-term redevelopment led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes. The overall plan includes new homes, retail and office space, and public realm improvements.
The Social Hub’s proposal includes a 560-bed building with extended-stay rooms, hotel suites and student accommodation. Also planned are coworking spaces for up to 300 people, a bar and restaurant, gym and wellness facilities, community event areas, and a fully accessible landscaped public space.
Planning documents have been submitted by Montagu Evans and Hawkins Brown, with public consultation events scheduled in Fountainbridge on 8 December and 26 January. Locals will also be invited to visit The Social Hub’s Glasgow site in Candleriggs to get a better understanding of the model and the potential impact on the area.
The Social Hub opened in Glasgow in 2024. Since then, it has hosted more than 600 events a year and has become involved in a number of city-wide programmes, including film festivals, cooking classes and skills workshops. It has also played a role in events such as The Better Society Academy, organised through its charitable arm, the TSH Talent Foundation.
The Edinburgh-born founder of the Social Hub, Charlie MacGregor 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. We always want the local community to help shape our hubs and would encourage anyone with views about our plans to share them.
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