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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."