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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."