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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."