🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."