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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."