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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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 working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

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