The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

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

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

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

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."