🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."