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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity 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 footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."