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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."