The additions, in Florence, Rome and a first Portuguese property in Porto, take the group to 21 locations, in 19 cities.
A pioneer in creating mixed developments, The Social Hub looks to create projects that typically combine a hotel element, student accommodation and co-working space, within one large property development. This combination helps deliver schemes that can rework disused buildings and revive city districts, while also creating a valuable new hub for the local community.
Additional openings in Italy
In Florence, The Social Hub Belfiore is expected to open in February 2025. The project will have 550 rooms, and co-working space for 600 people. Facilities include a rooftop public park and Olympic length swimming pool, as well as a commercial zone to support local businesses. Set in the city’s San Jacopino neighbourhood, the project sets out to be a visitor attraction in its own right, as well as a hub of innovation and social activity.
“Our first new hub in the Italian capital of Rome, our second in Florence, and our debut into Portugal represent landmark developments for The Social Hub brand,” said Marion Koopman, The Social Hub’s chief operations & commercial officer. “We aim to generate a positive impact and connect our diverse audiences including travellers, students, businesspeople, and locals in all three cities. We can’t wait to open our doors.”
The Social Hub Rome is expected to open its 392 rooms for guests from March 2025, in the city’s San Lorenzo area. The project combines new and refurbished buildings, and includes an event space. In common with the Florence project, there is a rooftop pool co-working space and a public park.
Launching the brand in Portugal
And also launching in spring 2025 will be the first Social Hub in Portugal. Sited in Porto’s Bonjardim district, it will feature 310 rooms and will include a first for the brand, a series of apartments with up to two bedrooms, designed for long stay rentals. Co-working spaces will sit alongside a media studio plus meeting and event spaces.
Founded in 2012, TSH grew initially under the banner The Student Hotel, but more recently rebranded to acknowledge the broader community impact of its novel approach to hybrid accommodation. Today, as The Social Hub, the business is continuing to look for new sites in key city centres that can accommodate its mix of hybrid uses, where communities will also benefit from its arrival.
Sites in Lisbon and Turin have already been secured for upcoming developments. The Lisbon development, with 435 rooms, should be completed in early 2026, with the 519 room Turin project completed the same year.
