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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."