What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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 taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."