🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."