One year after opening its doors, The Social Hub Glasgow has welcomed a level of success and public engagement that surpassed its ‘wildest expectations’.
The European group’s Scots-born founder, Charlie MacGregor, said that the strong 12-month performance of the Glasgow site – the UK’s first Social Hub – had strengthened his belief that the business model can be rolled out across the country.
Built on a long-vacant site in the Merchant City, the 494-room, 20,000-square-metre hub combines hotel, student, and extended-stay accommodation with co-working, event, and community spaces.
Since launching in April 2024, it has booked more than 76,000 room nights and welcomed over 65,000 attendees to more than 2300 events, including fixtures in the Glasgow International Comedy and Film Festivals.
Last month, it also reached full capacity in its coworking spaces, with a waitlist of companies now in place.
General manager at The Social Hub Glasgow, Ben McLeod, said: “Glasgow has truly embraced our hybrid hospitality concept – we’re incredibly proud to have become a thriving hub for creativity, collaboration, and culture. The response in year one has surpassed even our wildest expectations.
“The Social Hub is all about community – that’s what has made this first year so special. Whether it’s guests, coworkers, or locals using the space, there’s a real mix every day – festivals, films, kitchen takeovers, outdoor markets.”
The venue’s second year will see the opening of a rooftop bar and restaurant, along with further expansion of its events programme and tie-ups with partners, including Glasgow Pride, Park Lane Market, Merchant City Festival, and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
The Social Hub was founded by MacGregor in 2003, and has since expanded to 21 locations across Europe, with new sites opening next year in Turin and Lisbon.
Following its success in Glasgow, the group is ‘actively exploring’ further UK expansion with cities like Edinburgh and London in its sights.
MacGregor, who is also the founder of humanitarian NGO Movement on the Ground, said: “Glasgow welcomed us with open arms – and we’ve done everything we can to live up to that. I love having a reason to return to Scotland more often.
“Every time I walk through the doors, I feel energised by the sense of connection we’ve created and by seeing Merchant City become a hotspot in the city centre. Glasgow is my go-to reference to showcase how locals and The Social Hub have blended into one strong community.
“Coming from Edinburgh, launching in the UK was something we had planned for a long time. The success in Glasgow has only strengthened our belief in the potential to grow this unique social impact driven business model across the country,” said MacGregor.
“We’re actively looking for new sites – and I look forward to announcing plans for the next UK Social Hub very soon… and yes Edinburgh is on top of the wish list!”
As it celebrates its first birthday, the Glasgow venue is ‘raising the bar’ with the launch of a new premium accommodation offering, the Signature Room , becoming the second city in the group’s European portfolio – after its maiden hotel in Amsterdam – to debut the new room category.
Each of the 193.75 ft² Signature Rooms features a lounge and sitting area, bespoke furnishings, and a spacious bathroom complete with rain shower and luxury Zenology toiletries.
“We’re always looking to evolve and improve,” said GM McLeod. “The launch of our Signature Rooms – beautiful spaces that combine elevated design and premium amenities – is another step forward in our journey.”
