What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."