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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – 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 the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."