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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."