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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."