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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."