🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."