What's Happening with Edinburgh's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."