What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, 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 described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

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 "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

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