A new £200 million hospitality and community venue is being proposed in Edinburgh as The Social Hub announces plans to expand its growing European footprint with a second UK hotel, featuring its unique model that brings together travellers, businesspeople, neighbours, and students.
The group, founded by Edinburgh-born Charlie MacGregor, is in advanced negotiations for a plot of land at the former Fountain Brewery site in Fountainbridge – which has been vacant for around 20 years – as part of the landmark redevelopment masterplan for the area led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes. The wider proposals for Fountainbridge include hundreds of new homes, office and retail space, and delivery of high-quality public spaces.
Plans submitted by Montagu Evans and Hawkins Brown propose an investment of around £200 million and the creation of up to 100jobs through the development of a new 560-bed facility. This would include extended-stay rooms to ease pressure on Edinburgh’s housing stock, hotel suites, and rooms for students. They also include coworking space for up to 300 people alongside community event spaces, gym and wellness facilities, a bar and restaurant, and a fully accessible landscaped space outside.
The Social Hub will host public consultation events in Fountainbridge on 8December and 26January to share its vision for the site. Visits to the company’s Glasgow hub will also be arranged to give locals a feel for the positive impact it has made in the city’s Candleriggs area.
Since making its UK debut in Glasgow during 2024, The Social Hub has been seen as a catalyst in the ongoing transformation of the city centre’s ‘Golden Z’, breathing new life into the lower end of Argyle Street and beyond. The hybrid hospitality destination has helped curate major events in the city, from the international comedy and film festivals to The Better Society Academy – headlined by John Swinney and organised by the brand’s TSH Talent Foundation.
A certified B Corp, The Social Hub is known for its award-winning hybrid model built around delivering social impact, transforming underused public spaces, and supporting community-building. Its Glasgow hub hosts more than 600 events per year, including film premieres, cooking classes, yoga sessions, and skill-building workshops.
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Charlie MacGregor, Founder & CEO 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. We always want the local community to help shape our hubs and would encourage anyone with views about our plans to share them.
“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. The Social Hub is more than a place to stay – it’s a hub where people from all backgrounds come together, help create a better society, and achieve extraordinary things.”
Nick Waugh, Commercial Property Director at Buccleuch, 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.”
