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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher 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 share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."