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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak 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 Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate 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.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."