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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."