What's Happening with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" 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 developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."