🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."