🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."