The new Hub, the first of seven bespoke-made installations which will populate the village, will act as a communal area for villagers, with six new and improved one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed following resident feedback due in the coming weeks.
The move along the Granton Waterfront is a relocation of the original Edinburgh Village. The move has allowed Social Bite, residents and charity partner Cyrenians to work together to reassess the design and facilities available and create living spaces which support people living there everyday based on their needs and wants.
The supported accommodation model, first launched with the Edinburgh Village in 2018, has proven successful in helping people who’ve experienced homelessness rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive community. Charity partner Cyrenians will continue providing 24/7 support, having played a key role in helping nearly 100 residents gain skills, confidence, and reintegrate into the community to date.
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 Services 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. 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.”
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.
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 many incredible contributions from individual supporters.
