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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."