The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."