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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."