What's Happening with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group 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 "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."