🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group 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 "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."