🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced 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.

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 removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."