🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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 plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."