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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity 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 large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."