🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

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

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."