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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."