The Situation with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left 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 persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless 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 Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."