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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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 streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."