The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."