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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."