What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

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

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."