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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."