🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced 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 main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework 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 enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."