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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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