The Social Hub to open second Florence outpost
The Social Hub is set to open its second Florence location in January 2025, featuring an Olympic-length swimming pool and the city's largest rooftop garden. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Social Hub Belfiore, located in the San Jacopino district near the historic centre, combines a 550-room four-star hotel with Tuscany's largest coworking space, capable of accommodating 500 professionals.
Part of a €150 million development, the development's standout feature is its 7,000-square-metre rooftop, which houses a public garden designed by Antonio Perazzi.
The space includes more than 3,500 perennial plants, 500 shrubs and 55 trees, significantly expanding the neighbourhood's green spaces.The hub's culinary offerings are led by Florentine restaurateur Aldo Settembrini, featuring Ammodino restaurant, which serves modern Italian family-style dining, and an outpost of the historic Panificio Menchetti bakery, established in 1948.
"When we first invested in Italy nearly a decade ago, many doubted our success," says Charlie MacGregor, the Edinburgh-born CEO and founder of The Social Hub. "But through collaboration with the municipality, architects and local partners, we have created two thriving hubs in Florence. The Social Hub Belfiore reflects our evolving model—one that revitalises neighbourhoods by responding to their needs."
Developed over six years in partnership with Florence's Studio Natalini, the hub's design draws inspiration from the city's Renaissance heritage. The interiors, created by Rizoma Architetture, feature bright colours and green spaces throughout.
The B Corporation-certified development will host more than 600 events annually, ranging from language and cooking workshops to professional development sessions. The hub also supports scholarship recipients through its TSH Talent Foundation, which assists changemakers facing barriers to success.
The facility includes premium conference facilities for more than 300 guests, a gym, and a shopping boulevard. It marks the company's latest expansion in Italy, with additional hubs planned for Rome and Turin.