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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."