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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."