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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader 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?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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 incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."