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

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."