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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."