The Situation with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started not long 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."