🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile 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 compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."