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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."