New Social Bite Village project unveiled for South Lanarkshire

We’re thrilled that South Lanarkshire Council has granted permission for the proposed Social Bite Village in Rutherglen. The Village characterises our commitment to addressing homelessness in the region through innovative and proven solutions and is a significant step forward in the mission to end homelessness.

What to expect from the village project

The proposed village will be built on a brownfield site on Harriet Street.  It will consist of 15 modern, sustainable modular homes, known as Nest Houses, and a community hub surrounded by beautiful landscaping and an outdoor gym facility. Tailored to meet the needs of its residents, the village provides a supportive environment and a  vibrant community that fosters positive relationships, facilitating their journey out of homelessness through on-site support services and a range of skills- and confidence-building activities.

In light of escalating demand for temporary accommodation and concerning statistics, including over 39,000 applications for homelessness assistance in Scotland in 2022-2023, we’re seeking to emulate the success of the village in Edinburgh Social Bite Village. Opened in 2018, it’s already supported over 100 people in a situation of homelessness, many of whom have now moved on to permanent housing, showcasing the effectiveness of the model in tackling homelessness.

Following the decision made by South Lanarkshire Council, the next steps for the project will involve a community consultation and applying for planning permission. A decision on the application is expected in Q3 2024, paving the way for construction of the homes and hub, beginning in autumn 2025. The first residents are expected to move in spring/summer 2025.

A blueprint for addressing homelessness

Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite, emphasised the urgent need for innovative solutions in addressing homelessness. “It’s brilliant to get the go ahead from South Lanarkshire Council on our proposal for the newest Social Bite Village to be located in Rutherglen. Our Social Bite Villages represent a pioneering approach to tackling homelessness in Scotland. By collaborating with the local community, South Lanarkshire Council, and our charity partners, this new village will establish a transformative model of accommodation that not only provides beautiful homes to live in, but also helps to break the cycle of homelessness for the individuals that will move in by giving people all the support they need.

“It’s important to us that the local community are part of this journey. As we begin to embed plans for this new village, we’ll look to start public consultation in the coming months. We’re working closely with South Lanarkshire Council to ensure the village is a positive asset to the local community.”

South Lanarkshire Council’s Head of Housing Services, Sharon Egan, said “we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Social Bite on this innovative project. The energy efficient modular housing, with housing support, will assist our customers who are faced with homelessness and the trauma that this brings.

“This exciting partnership will bring training and employment opportunities to our customers, will invest in the local community and support community wealth. This addition to our temporary accommodation comes at an integral point where South Lanarkshire is experiencing unprecedented levels of homelessness.”

As well as the Social Bite Edinburgh Village, last year we announced plans for a Recovery Village in Dundee to tackle rising drug and alcohol deaths in the city. The development plans for this project are ongoing.

Read more about the South Lanarkshire Village or donate to the village projects.