What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?
Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.
Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.
Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.
Extended Timelines
The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.
The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".
What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?
A Problematic Past
The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.
Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.
Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.
A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.
Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another 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 owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".
It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.
Delayed Plans
An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.
But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.
"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.
"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."
Local and Conservation Frustration
A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.
She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.
She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.
"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."
Ongoing Efforts
A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.
They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.
"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."
The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.
She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.
"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."
