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

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."