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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."