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

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

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

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."