Plans unveiled for £200 million hospitality and digital coworking hub on former Edinburgh brewery site
“This is a very special moment for me; it’s something I’ve hoped for and worked towards for many years” – Charlie MacGregor, The Social Hub
Plans have been outlined for a £200 million hospitality and community venue at the heart of a former brewery site in Edinburgh.
The move would see The Social Hub expand its growing European footprint with a second UK hotel, featuring its unique model that brings together travellers, businesspeople, neighbours, and students.
The hospitality group, founded by Edinburgh-born Charlie MacGregor, is in advanced negotiations for a plot of land at the former Fountain Brewery site in the Fountainbridge area of the city, which has been vacant for around 20 years. It would form part of a landmark redevelopment masterplan for the area led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes.
The wider proposals for the redevelopment of Fountainbridge include hundreds of flats, office and retail space, alongside the delivery of new public spaces.
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Plans submitted by Montagu Evans and Hawkins Brown propose an investment of around £200m and the creation of up to 100 jobs through the development of a new 560-bed Social Hub facility. This would include extended-stay rooms and accommodation targeted at students.
There would be coworking space for up to 300 people alongside community event areas, gym and wellness facilities, a bar and restaurant, and a fully accessible landscaped space outside.
The Social Hub plans to host public consultation events in Fountainbridge on December 8 and January 26 to share its vision for the site. Visits to the group’s Glasgow hub, in the Candleriggs area of the city, will also be arranged.
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” area, breathing new life into the lower end of Argyle Street and beyond.
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. We always want the local community to help shape our hubs and would encourage anyone with views about our plans to share them.”
He added: “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.”
The hybrid hospitality hub in Glasgow has helped curate major events in the city, from comedy and film festivals to The Better Society Academy - headlined by First Minister John Swinney and organised by the brand’s TSH Talent Foundation.
Aileen Crawford, head of tourism and conventions at Glasgow Life, said: “The Social Hub has played a key role in enriching our city’s appeal. The diverse range of events hosted here highlights its flexibility and creativity, helping to position Glasgow as a city where collaboration thrives.”
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