🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."