🔗 Share this article What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel? The metal framework encasing the hotel on a central thoroughfare may not be fully removed until 2027. Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework. For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore. Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building. Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027. Extended Timelines The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down. Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive". What is going on with this notoriously protracted project? Scaffold-free - how the hotel is presented scaffold-free on the hotel's website. Background Issues The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009. Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum. Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022. A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development. Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway. A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024. In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience". It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual. Photographs show the the building under construction in September 2008 (left) and the scaffolding beginning in 2020 (right). Delayed Plans An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year. But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement. "We expect starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read. "We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public." Community and Heritage Concerns A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works. She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape. She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging. "It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge." Pedestrians have been obliged to walk down a narrow enclosed walkway on a section of the road. Ongoing Efforts A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing. They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses. "This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible." Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project. She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements. "That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."