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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another 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 owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

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

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."