Hotel News is brought to you by Guarantee Laundries
The Social Hub has submitted plans for a £200 million mixed-use hospitality and community development in Edinburgh, proposing to transform the long-derelict former Fountain Brewery site in Fountainbridge into a new destination combining accommodation, dining, working and social spaces.
The B Corp-certified hospitality group, founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor, is seeking to bring its hybrid hospitality concept to the Scottish capital, following the opening of its first UK property in Glasgow in 2024.
The proposed development will feature 580 beds across hotel, student and extended-stay accommodation, alongside an extensive range of food and beverage, leisure and community facilities.
Plans include a restaurant, café, rooftop bar, clubhouse, theatre and gym, as well as dedicated co-working facilities for up to 300 people and additional flexible working and events spaces.
The proposals form part of the wider regeneration of Fountainbridge, with the former brewery site having remained vacant for approximately 20 years.
The development is intended to support the regeneration of the surrounding area, including the delivery of affordable housing being progressed separately by the City of Edinburgh Council and the creation of a new canal-side public square.
Once operational, The Social Hub estimates that the development could create up to 100 jobs, support more than 280 roles and contribute £15.5 million to Edinburgh’s economy.
The project is also targeting a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, reflecting the group’s commitment to environmental performance and responsible development.
The submitted plans follow a series of public consultation events held in Fountainbridge during 2025 and early 2026, with feedback from local residents helping to inform the proposed development.
Community representatives were also invited to visit The Social Hub’s Glasgow property to experience the group’s approach to combining hospitality, accommodation, co-working and community activities.
The Edinburgh proposals have attracted support from organisations including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and technology incubator CodeBase.
The project represents a further expansion of The Social Hub’s European portfolio, which brings together traditional hotel accommodation with longer-stay residential facilities, collaborative working spaces and hospitality venues open to the wider community.
The group’s existing Glasgow property has demonstrated the potential of this approach, with research by social value consultancy RealWorth examining the economic and social benefits generated by its combination of accommodation, business facilities and community activities.
The research found that The Social Hub Glasgow generated approximately £9.9 million in social value during its first year of operation, with benefits linked to employment, education, entrepreneurship and community participation.
Charlie MacGregor, Founder and CEO of The Social Hub, said: “Submitting these plans is a landmark moment – not just for The Social Hub, but for me personally. Edinburgh is my home city, and bringing our model here is something I’ve dreamed of for years. We’ve listened closely to the Fountainbridge community, understood what the area needs, and shaped a scheme designed to make a lasting, positive impact.
“Glasgow has shown the power of our model to bring students, neighbours, entrepreneurs, and visitors together. Now we want to spark that same energy in Edinburgh – a place woven into the life of the city, where connection and creativity don’t just happen, they thrive, and where social impact becomes part of everyday life.”
The latest submission follows earlier proposals for a 560-bed development at the Fountainbridge site, with the revised plans now outlining a 580-bed scheme.
Subject to securing planning permission, the project would establish The Social Hub’s second UK location and introduce a new hospitality and community destination to Edinburgh.
The development would also contribute to the wider regeneration of Fountainbridge, bringing hotel accommodation, food and beverage facilities, flexible workspace and leisure amenities to an area undergoing significant redevelopment.
Associated Articles
Westcombe Group Secures Planning Approval for Hotel Indigo and Kingston Bridge House Regeneration
Westcombe Group has secured planning approval for a mixed-use development incorporating a luxury Hotel Indigo, 22 residential apartments and hospitality facilities, with £20 million in construction investment anticipated.
Westcombe Group Secures Planning Approval for Hotel Indigo and Kingston Bridge House Regeneration
Coaching Inn Group Announces £8–10m Investment Plan and Senior Appointments for 2027
The Coaching Inn Group has outlined plans to invest up to £10 million in property improvements, accommodation expansion and future acquisitions as it develops its UK hospitality portfolio.
Coaching Inn Group Announces £8–10m Investment Plan and Senior Appointments for 2027
Leonardo Hotels Acquires The Bristol Hotel Ahead of £11.5 Million Refurbishment
Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland has acquired The Bristol Hotel and announced an £11.5 million refurbishment programme, reflecting continued investment in established UK hotel properties.
Leonardo Hotels Acquires The Bristol Hotel Ahead of £11.5 Million Refurbishment
Hotel News is brought to you by Guarantee Laundries
