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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."