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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."