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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."