🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."