🔗 Share this article What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel? The protective structure enveloping the hotel on a major city bridge may not be entirely dismantled until 2027. On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework. For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight. Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building. Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027. Extended Timelines The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed. A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient". What is going on with this apparently perpetual project? As advertised - how the hotel is presented in its intended state on the brand's website. A Troubled History The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009. Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum. Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022. Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development. People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway. Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024. In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better". It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual. Pictures show the the building during development in September 2008 (left) and the work beginning in 2020 (right). Delayed Plans An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year. But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay. "We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented. "We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community." Local and Conservation Frustration A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works. She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape. She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard. "It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative." Tourists have been obliged to walk down a tight covered walkway on the affected thoroughfare. Continued Work A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing. They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops. "This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible." The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project. She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements. "Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."