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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

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 "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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 businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."