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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."