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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began 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 sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local 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 disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."