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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring 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.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."