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

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway 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 significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

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