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

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."