Social Bite’s new Edinburgh Village on Granton Waterfront has received its modular built Hub as the project progresses towards an opening date this spring.
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.”
Social Bite Village – Edinburgh – Hub Delivery – 18th March 2026
Raymond Davies Photography
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.
More than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material recycled to provide firm foundations for Edinburgh’s new Social Bite Village
A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness.
The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront.
Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road (above), making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026.
The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness.
The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables.
“This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater.
“As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.”
The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site.
“The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. Its design offers people affected by homelessness, living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing, a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.
“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.”
Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View (above) in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A.
The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing.
Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces.
Independent Edinburgh record shop, Avalanche Records, has invested over £100k in partnership with Waverley Market owners Moorgarth, in a move to a larger premise in the centre, following a record-breaking year.
The new space, located in Waverley Market tucked above Edinburgh Waverley station and just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, was previously a storage area meaning a new shop has been created from scratch.
The new shop, dedicated to vinyl, CDs, posters and t-shirts, is considerably bigger compared to Avalanche Records’ previous location.
The move to the new space this month comes as Avalanche Records reports a record-breaking year since first opening its doors to music lovers four decades ago. A number of high-profile gigs in Edinburgh in 2025, including Oasis, AC/DC and Chappell Roan, have helped attract music fans to the store.
Avalanche Records recorded its best ever month in August surpassing the previous record in December 2024 and 60% up on August 2024.
Everything in the new space has been purpose built to deliver the best shopping experience for customers. The space dedicated to stocking vinyl, CDs and posters will each grow by 50%, with t-shirt space seeing a 25% increase, meaning there will be even more stock for music lovers to choose from.
From those looking to discover Scottish artists old and new, to those wanting the latest vinyl from their favourite global superstars, Avalanche Records has it covered. The new shop front will also showcase two large window displays featuring the very best of what Avalanche Records has to offer.
41 years after first opening its doors, Avalanche Records sticks to its original principles of promoting the artists they like while also listening to what their customers want.
Avalanche Records stuck with vinyl when vinyl popularity took a big dip but is now reaping the rewards of its revival, while not dismissing CDs, as well as catering for the huge demand for music merchandise with a wide range of t-shirts, posters, prints, cards, patches and badges.
The latest move from Avalanche Records follows a number of recent investments in Waverley Market, including the launch of gift and gadget shop Menkind on the upper level, and the soon to be open bowling and games bar with food and drink, King Pins. Further tenants will be announced in the New Year, with limited units remaining.
Avalanche Records has also been an ongoing supporter of Waverley Market, most recently hosting an exhibition in the Market’s “secret staircase” in collaboration with international artist Butcher Billy, with a number of striking Taylor Swift graphics on display which attracted over ten thousand visitors.
Kevin Buckle, Avalanche Records owner, said: “This move marks a huge moment for us and Waverley Market, as we move into the biggest space the centre has available. Our continued growth shows there is still very much a love for physical music, as music lovers look to find new talent as well as listen to their favourite stars.
“We can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and, moving forward, we intend to work even more closely with our fellow tenants such as Rainbow Bubble Tea and The Cheery Churro who are particularly popular with our younger customers.
“The extra floor space means we can now stock more merchandise, for example we can now carry a full selection of the much sought after punk teddy bears lovingly made by the Fife artist Marie Allan and a popular present for those Christmas shopping.”
Neil G Mackie, Waverley Market Centre Manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see not only the relocation and upsizing of Avalanche Records within Waverley Market, but also the confidence and commitment of this key tenant in the centre.
“Avalanche Records is a phenomenal retail offer, founded on knowledge and experience, which is unique not only to Waverley Market but more importantly to the wider Edinburgh retail landscape”.
Avalanche Records can be found in Waverley Market and is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm (11am – 5pm on Sundays).
Work has begun at the Waterfront location in Granton for the Edinburgh Social Bite Village move
Leading homelessness charity Social Bite is today celebrating the first diggers starting construction work on the Granton Waterfront site where it will relocate its pioneering Edinburgh village.
Residents of the Village joined Executive Director and co-founder of the charity, Josh Littlejohn MBE, on a visit to the site which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness.
The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, and the introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.
In March this year, Edinburgh Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the relocation of the Social Bite Village. As well as reviewing proposed plans, councillors were shown illustrations of the new community growing space from design company HOKO, and heard from Josh Littlejohn, Ewan Aitken and former resident Mary about the benefits of the village.
The new location is less than a mile from the old site and boasts extensive views of The Forth Bridges – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of during walks along the coastline.
The bespoke supported accommodation model has had proven success since the Edinburgh Village first opened in 2018. Charity partner and fellow homelessness prevention organisation, Cyrenians, will continue to deliver round-the-clock support. Cyrenians has been a key part of Social Bite’s work in supporting the reintegration of 100 people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.
Social Bite has worked closely with Cyrneians to secure West Shore Recreation Ground on the Granton Waterfront. The new site is suited not just to residents’ needs, such as proximity to transport links for going to work, college or shopping, but also offers what they want, including greenspace and walkability to the Granton seaside.
Residential volunteer Amber joined Josh Littlejohn on the visit to the new site. She said:“It’s going to be really good for wellbeing, being this close to the ocean. The site is really accessible for a walk with my dog, Leo. We often take him along the coast.
“I have lived at the Village since end of May 2025, which I’m very grateful for. I was interested in the opportunity to help others and see how such a village runs and supports people. It’s a very unique set up that I had not seen before.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said:“We always knew the village was originally built on a ‘meanwhile use’ site, so it’s great to see this relocation of the project taking shape on such a stunning seafront location. With diggers arriving and work beginning, it’s a really exciting time.
“As well as moving location, we are taking the opportunity to expand and improve the village by introducing seven of our newly designed Nest Houses, a new community hub and a community growing space.
“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are really proud of the village project in demonstrating a better alternative that can also make use of innovative construction methods and ‘meanwhile’ land options.”
Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said:“It is exciting to see this new chapter of the Social Bite Village begin in earnest.
“The community that Cyrenians and Social Bite have established in this area has made a profound difference to many people, and we are pleased that we will be able to continue this work just down the hill from the original location.
“We know from our projects which span the Southeast of Scotland, that stability, privacy, and community is a lifeline for those who have not been afforded that right, and I am pleased that we will be able to offer that support to more people as this project continues.”
The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers people affected by homelessness living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.
At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.
Work has begun thanks to the generous support of Social Bite’s industry partners, including Advance, GSS Developments. Detailed digital assets of the site have provided by HOKO Design – the Glasgow-based architecture practice founded by celebrity architect Danny Campbell – can be viewed here: Village relocation – planning drawings.
For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:
COUNCILLORS APPROVE RELOCATION TO NEW WATERFRONT SITE
Social Bite, renowned for its ground-breaking efforts to combat homelessness, has welcomed Edinburgh City Council’s approval of the relocation of the charity’s supported accommodation facility to a new site at Granton Waterfront.
Councillors voted in favour of the move, ensuring that support can continue for up to 16 residents at any given time. Each person who finds a home at the Village has experienced homelessness, and the supported accommodation aims to break the cycle by providing round-the-clock support and reintegration into community living.
Despite a recommendation by the Housing and Planning Committee to reject the proposal due to concerns about the site’s alignment with Edinburgh’s greenbelt targets, councillors unanimously overturned this recommendation.
They cited the charity’s excellent use of greenspace for community gardening—with 50% of the site committed to such purposes—noting that the Social Bite Village contributes to the city’s efforts to effectively use greenspace. Other comments of support highlighted the project’s “overriding benefit to the community and public.”
This significant vote to overturn the recommendation means the proposal will now be submitted to Scottish Government Ministers for a final decision.
The new site, which will continue to be managed by fellow homelessness charity Cyrenians, is less than a mile from the current Village in Granton.
It was selected following a resident survey that identified local amenities and greenspace as important factors, enabling residents to carry out daily tasks such as shopping and commuting to work. The proximity to the Granton seaside was also a key consideration.
The relocation will bring a refresh to the Hub, a communal area where residents can cook, gather, and relax. Additionally, the new location will introduce seven redesigned and improved one-bedroom “Nest Houses,” developed in response to resident feedback.
Social Bite and Cyrenians, which has managed the Village since its inception in 2018, have collaborated to ensure a smooth transition for current residents.
The decision to relocate was prompted by the planned end of the current lease on land donated by Edinburgh City Council, which is part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans. The original lease term was five years and later extended by an additional two years.
The pre-fabricated houses were designed for easy relocation, allowing the charity to make use of a “meanwhile site” that would otherwise have been unoccupied. This adaptability is a key part of Social Bite’s innovative approach.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “We’re thrilled that Edinburgh City Council has approved our planning application for the Social Bite Village today.
“We’d like to thank the councillors for visiting the proposed site and for suggesting a hearing to learn more about how this valuable project will contribute to the Granton regeneration programme.
“We look forward to the next stage and to working with Edinburgh City Council to make a real difference for people experiencing homelessness in Scotland today.”
At the end of their stay at the Village, residents receive support transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. To date, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 120 residents, many of whom have secured jobs and moved into their own homes.
For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:
The UK’s largest specialist photographic retailer, Wex Photo Video, has announced the opening of its new store on Haddington Place, in the heart of the Scottish capital.
Replacing its Bonnington outlet, the new store will officially open its doors on Friday (3rd May) with a grand opening event hosted by award-winning photographer, David Gillanders.
The opening will see a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and guests can expect exclusive in-store discounts on the latest gear and hands-on support from brand representatives.
The relocation comes as the retailer continues to expand its investment in the city and looks to serve even more customers with extensive equipment and technical support. As Edinburgh is home to almost 50,000 students, those studying will get up to 10% off selected brands in-store as well as free online courses and general tips and tricks will be available through the Wex Student Hub.
Customers can find a broad range of equipment accompanied by comprehensive services. Like all other stores, it will be staffed by a team of industry experts who will offer impartial buying advice and provide invaluable technical assistance.
Displayed across a hi-tech play table, the store stocks a wide range of gear from leading brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic Lumix, Manfrotto and DJI showcasing mirrorless cameras and lenses, camera accessories, video and audio equipment, studio accessories and harder-to-find categories such as astronomy and optics.
Louis Wahl, Chief Executive Officer at Wex Photo Video, commented: “The relocation of our Edinburgh store provides greater opportunity to help our customers, old and new, with support and equipment to bring their visions to life.
“Enthusiasts and professionals in the city are already familiar with our offering and their interest and passion in photography has led us to increase our investment here.
“We’re looking forward to officially opening the doors and welcoming Sophie Gerrard to help us celebrate this moment.”
Open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (opening at 10am on Wednesday), and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, the new store will be located within walking distance of various routes to and from the city centre.
Over 20 ambulance staff have co-located to Edinburgh’s McDonald Road Fire Station in a move which will benefit patients in Edinburgh and Lothians.
The 25 Scottish Ambulance Service staff – a mixture of Paramedics and Technicians – along with two ambulances moved into the base on Monday 22 June.
The move is part of the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Demand and Capacity Programme, which has seen 540 additional frontline staff recruited in the last financial year, a record number, with plans for the next financial year to build on this.
The Demand and Capacity Programme is funded by the Scottish Government.
To accommodate the extra staff, eight co locations with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been established across Scotland, including four in the Edinburgh area. The first three established were Sighthill, Crewe Toll and Penicuik. Edinburgh’s main station at Peffermill Industrial Estate will remain.
Kenny Freeburn, Regional Director for the East of Scotland with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “The past 12 months have been the busiest in terms of recruitment for the Scottish Ambulance Service and we are delighted to have moved to this new base alongside our emergency services colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. We look forward to working with them and building on existing relationships.
“There is now an aspect of multi-agency working and training that can take place between both services and as well as being a great new base for our staff, this move ensures that we continue to provide the very best care to patients in these communities.”
As in other co-locations, staff will work alongside fire service staff out of a separate room and they will be dispatched to incidents as per normal procedure through one of our three Ambulance Control Centres (ACC).
Area Commander Stephen Gourlay is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for Edinburgh City. He said: “These moves are part of a wider commitment between the SFRS and Scottish Ambulance Service to work even more closely together.
“Co-locations mean firefighters and ambulance service staff can regularly share knowledge and expertise while building rapport. It also presents an opportunity to better understand each other’s challenges. By working more closely together, communities and our organisations will see numerous benefits.”
Locogen Celebrates 10th Anniversary with New Office Opening
Renewable energy specialists Locogen enjoyed a double celebration on Tuesday, marking 10 years in the renewable energy industry and the official opening of their fantastic new office building in Stockbridge.Continue reading Deidre Brock joins Locogen double celebration
