The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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 design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."