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

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection 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 tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."