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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."