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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."