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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."