Social Bite’s new Edinburgh Village marks milestone moment ahead of Spring launch

Set to open at the Granton Waterfront in the coming months, the supported accommodation will include six one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ and a modular built Hub which will act as a communal area for villagers.

The first Social Bite Village opened in 2018 on land donated by Edinburgh City Council. The pioneering homeless charity was originally granted a five-year lease that was later extended by two years. The relocation to the Granton Waterfront is less than a mile from the original location.

The hub was manufactured by Invergordon-based Ecosystems Technologies and made the long commute from The Highlands to Granton. The remaining buildings are due to arrive in April. | www.raymonddaviesphotography.com

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The successful accommodation model is ‘designed to be an active and highly supportive community’ and has helped around 100 residents gain skills, confidence, and reintegrate into the community so far.

Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite said: “It’s brilliant to see the milestone of the brand new hub landing as the new Edinburgh village takes shape. We can't wait to welcome residents to their new home.”

Amy Hutton, director of aervices at Cyrenians, said: “Part of what has made the Social Bite Village so successful is the sense of community that is built between volunteers, residents and staff. The Hub is vital to that sense of community – a place where people can gather, cook, socialise and relax.

The Social Bite Village has received generous support from M&G plc through their Empty Spaces coalition with Habitat for Humanity, as well as from Anderson Strathearn, itison, and contributions from individual supporters. | www.raymonddaviesphotography.com

“Seeing the new Hub installed down at the new location is exciting – we are looking forward to starting a new chapter providing support to Social Bite Village residents in the new location, for years to come.”

Social Bite said the relocation to Granton Waterfront has allowed the charity, residents and partners Cyrenians to work together to reassess the design and facilities and create living spaces which support people living there everyday based on their needs and wants.