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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."