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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."