The Situation with the Capital's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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 complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."