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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost 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 large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."