What's Happening with Edinburgh's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."