The Situation with Edinburgh's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

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

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

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

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."