What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

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

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed 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 build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."