The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."