🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building began 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 footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create 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 "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."