The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."