What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."