🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."