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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."