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

Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."