What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

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 start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

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