🔗 Share this article

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."