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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."