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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."