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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

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

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."