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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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 covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."