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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis 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 closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

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

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."