What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long 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 pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."