🔗 Share this article The Ongoing Issue with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel? The protective structure enveloping the hotel on a major city bridge may not be completely taken down until 2027. On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding. For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore. Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building. Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027. Prolonged Deadlines The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down. Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome". What is happening with this seemingly endless project? Scaffold-free - how the hotel is presented scaffold-free on the hotel's website. A Problematic Past The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009. Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum. Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022. A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work. Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway. Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024. In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better". It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open. Images show the the building under construction in September 2008 (left) and the project beginning in 2020 (right). Missed Deadlines An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year. But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback. "We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said. "Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community." Local and Conservation Frustration A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects. She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design. She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard. "It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative." Shoppers have been forced to walk down a tight sheltered walkway on a section of the road. Ongoing Efforts A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing. They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops. "This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible." The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project. She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups. "Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."