When The Social Hub made the decision to open their first UK site in Glasgow at Candleriggs Square, our Licensing Team were delighted to act as their legal advisors and support them in obtaining the necessary consents. The purpose-built space represents a unique addition to Glasgow City Centre. A hotel with extended stay, short stay, and student accommodation but also a community space offering a restaurant, gym, a roof-top terrace, outdoor seating and workspaces. The operators describe the 'hotel' as a 'space to learn, stay, work and play, with flexible working spaces, a Workcafé & Bar for bites and cocktails, and meeting and event spaces for functions big or small, and whole lot more'.
The Social Hub's unique hybrid hospitality model meant a creative approach to licensing was required and we embraced this challenge. Our team had to ensure that our client was not only compliant from a legal perspective but that the consents also incorporated the flexibility needed to allow the space, and community it aimed to play host to, to thrive.
There were various licences required for the premises and tight timescales in line with the development of the space which had to be complied with.
As the name suggests the social and community aspects of the space were paramount so ensuring that the alcohol licence was in place for launch was key. We advised on all aspects: Board Policy; timescales; layout plan specifications; operating plan; and disabled access and facilities statement requirements. Our team submitted a
Provisional Premises Licence application, and worked closely with Council officials across various teams and represented the client at a hearing of the City of Glasgow Licensing Board. Getting to know our clients and really understanding their business model was key in ensuring the licence properly reflected their needs.
As the space was not only a hotel but a place to live, we considered the
licensing implications around Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing. It
was no ordinary HMO situation however, given that some rooms operate as
standard hotel rooms, and other for 'extended stay' and 'student accommodation'
with shared kitchens. The application was very specific and required us to work
closely with the HMO team at Glasgow City Council, since it appeared to be the
first of its kind in the city.
The idea at The Social Hub is that students can stay for term time. It is described as "no ordinary student accommodation", with a furnished room, monthly cleaning service and free Wi-Fi! Offering laundry facilities, vouchers and discounts, co-working spaces, kitchen equipment, gym membership, monthly bed linen, free bike sharing, utilities and maintenance and skills and wellbeing memberships, The Social Hub really looks after its students.
The hotel has now launched and is already playing a key role in welcoming guests to the city and contributing to the regeneration of the Candleriggs Square area.
Highlights of the Process:
- Working on a unique HMO application for the premises, which will make a difference to students living in Glasgow.
- Engaging and working with clients who have premises all over Europe and helping to bring their first UK site to Glasgow.
- Working on a complex premises licence
application with a staged completion.
If you have been inspired by the successful launch of The Social Hub Glasgow and our innovative licensing approach, our licensing specialists would love to hear from you. We understand that each business is unique and has its own set of challenges, and we are committed to understanding yours. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that can make a real difference. We invite you to contact us now at 0141 333 0636 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your requirements.
