🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."