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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official 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 establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

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

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."