🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

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

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."