Social Bite breaks ground on Granton village site

Residents of the village joined Social Bite executive director and co-founder, Josh Littlejohn, on a visit to the site, which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by 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 from Cyrenians and former resident Mary about the benefits of the village.

The new location is less than a mile from the new 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. Work has begun thanks to the generous support of Social Bite’s industry partners, including Advance and GSS Developments.

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 Cyrenians 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.

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, added: “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 aims to serve 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.