What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long 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 tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."