The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."