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Italy: European hospitality and living brand The Social Hub has opened two public parks in Rome and Florence as part of its €260 million (£222 million) private-sector investment into urban regeneration.
The two parks – a 7,000-square-metre rooftop ‘sky park’ in Florence and a 10,000-square-metre ground-level park in Rome – were designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi.
The two parks from part of the group’s newest mixed-use developments in Florence Belfiore and Rome San Lorenzo, which aim to blend hospitality with public benefit.
Opened in March 2025, The Social Hub Florence Belfiore is set in the San Jacopino neighbourhood and spans 80,000 square metres.
The rooftop garden, accessible via a striking staircase, includes event spaces, walking paths, playgrounds, and over 4,000 drought-resistant plants. It also offers more than 1,000 square metres of permeable surfaces to support biodiversity and climate resilience.
Guests and locals can also enjoy a 50-metre rooftop pool, a cocktail bar, and lounge zones, with the venue aiming to serve as both a community gathering place and a city attraction.
In Rome’s San Lorenzo district, The Social Hub has transformed the city’s former customs railway station into a 10,000-square-metre park – the largest green space in the area.
Opened in April 2025, the destination also includes a hotel, Accademia Italiana’s new design school, and a cultural venue opening later this year.
The park is landscaped with more than 300 native trees and plants and includes a playground, integrated seating, public art, and food kiosks.
A certified B Corp, The Social Hub is positioning itself as a leader in hospitality-driven urban regeneration. Across its Rome and Florence sites, the company plans to host more than 1,200 events annually, aimed at connecting residents with international visitors and reshaping the role of hospitality in city-making.
Highlights:
– The Social Hub has opened two public parks in Rome and Florence
– This is part of a £222 million investment into urban regeneration
– These are a 7,000-square-metre rooftop park in Florence and 10,000-square-metre ground-level park in Rome
