🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

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

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."