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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader 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 apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It renders 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 urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."