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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."