The Social Bite Village in Edinburgh is moving

Since opening in 2018, the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh has been a transformative space, providing homes and support to 100 people experiencing homelessness. We’ve seen incredible success stories and built a strong, supportive community.

This week, because the lease on our current site has ended, we submitted a planning application with Edinburgh City Council to relocate the village. The proposed new site is less than a mile along the road in Granton and has been chosen after a survey of residents revealed the local amenities and greenspace in the area were highly valued.

The village will still provide the same dedicated support and community approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness for up to 16 residents at any one time. Our charity partner Cyrenians, who have managed the village since it opened in 2018, will continue to run day-to-day operations and provide essential services to residents. We’re working closely with Cyrenians to ensure all relocation plans provide a smooth transition for current residents.

The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, as well as a phased introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses,’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback. The new Nest Houses will provide more personal space and independence.

Relocation from the current area in Granton is due to the planned end of the contract for the land, donated by Edinburgh City Council. The village’s present location forms part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans. Social Bite’s lease term was originally for four years and subsequently extended by two years.

Fortunately, the village’s prefabricated houses were designed so that they can be easily relocated, enabling us to make use of a ‘meanwhile site,’ which would otherwise have been unoccupied. This was a key part of our innovative approach with the village model.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “The security and happiness of our residents always comes first, so we’ve worked with those living at the village and Cyrenians to make sure they feel assured and have a chance to voice what they want and need from any move we make.

“The new site we’re entering an application for is a combination of all the best bits from our current position in Granton, with added greenspace, sea views and the introduction of some newly designed Nest Houses to meet our residents’ needs. The village is an important part of the North Edinburgh community and will continue to be a vibrant asset to that part of the city. We’re hopeful that our planning application is approved, and we can move forward quickly for the sake of the people who we provide accommodation for.”

Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “Edinburgh is facing an acute shortage of supported housing for people experiencing homelessness. We are absolutely committed to working with the local authority to secure a new site which will allow us to continue to offer relationship-based support that makes a lasting difference to people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.”

“The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by Social Bite. Its design offers those living in unsupported temporary accommodations, shelters, or B&Bs, and in need of help to break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and supportive community to be a part of.”

At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment and move into their own permanent homes.

It’s amazing to see the opportunities and real-life impact that the village has on its residents and community. Thank you to all our supporters for their continued support for our village projects – we couldn’t do this without you.