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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."