The Situation with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."