🔗 Share this article

Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

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

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."