🔗 Share this article

Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."