Is Edinburgh's Scaffolding Hotel the Next Big Thing?

In the heart of Edinburgh, the ongoing scaffolding at the Radisson G&V Hotel has become a significant issue for local residents, businesses, and tourists alike. Originally expected to be a short-term project, the remedial work has extended, with new estimates suggesting that it may not be concluded until 2027. This situation raises concerns about the impact on Edinburgh’s historic cityscape and local economy.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation surrounding the Radisson G&V Hotel on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile has reached a critical point. For five years, the hotel has remained a construction site, frustrating tourists and locals. Originally, remedial work commenced in 2020, with expectations that it would be completed within a few months, but the timeline has dramatically shifted. Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, has indicated that dismantling the scaffolding will not begin until late 2026, posing ongoing challenges for the community.

Key takeaways

The Radisson G&V Hotel has been under scaffolding for five years, with delays extending the project completion to 2027.
Local businesses, including Ondine, have already exited due to the disruptive environment created by the construction.
Edinburgh's council leader has labelled the scaffolding a "blight" on the area, highlighting community frustrations.

Timeline: how we got here

The Radisson G&V Hotel, originally opened in 2009 as the Missoni Hotel, has undergone significant changes since work began on the building in early 2020. Key dates in the timeline include:

2009: The hotel is inaugurated, marking the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices.
2020: Remedial work begins, with expectations of a few months of construction.
2022: The hotel closes to guests due to ongoing work and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024: The seafood restaurant Ondine relocates to St Andrews, citing disruptions as a primary reason.
2026: SRM anticipates starting to dismantle sections of the scaffolding towards the end of the year.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent statements from SRM emphasise the complexity of the construction issues at the hotel site, which have led to further delays. The company has acknowledged community frustrations and is reportedly working on solutions to improve the aesthetics of the scaffolding.

What was already established

It has long been known that the hotel’s construction and subsequent remedial work have significantly affected pedestrian access in the area. The original expectation of a few months for the project has now transformed into a multi-year disruption affecting both local businesses and the flow of tourist traffic.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing construction at the Radisson G&V Hotel has created notable inconveniences for local residents and visitors. The road and pavement have been restricted, forcing pedestrians into narrow walkways, which can lead to safety concerns and a diminished experience for tourists exploring Edinburgh’s historic sites.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses are feeling the strain of the prolonged construction. Notably, the seafood restaurant Ondine has left the area entirely, citing the disruptive environment as a factor in their decision. Other businesses, like Pizza Express, are attempting to maintain visibility amidst the construction by promoting their continued operations despite the challenges.

Policy and regulation

Edinburgh’s local authority is under pressure to expedite the completion of the scaffolding project. Jane Meagher, the council leader, has expressed frustration over the delays and is committed to holding the contractors accountable to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible.

Numbers that matter

£30 million: Estimated construction cost of the hotel when it first opened.
5: Years the hotel has been under scaffolding, affecting local businesses and pedestrian access.
2027: Projected year for potential completion of the remedial work.

Definitions and jargon buster

Remedial work: Construction activities aimed at fixing or improving a building's structure or appearance.
Scaffolding: Temporary structures used to support a work crew and materials during the construction or repair of a building.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders can expect ongoing work on the hotel site, with the community continuing to voice their concerns about the impact of the construction.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As SRM progresses with their work, community engagement may increase as residents seek clearer communication regarding timelines and potential improvements to the site.

Signals to watch

Updates from SRM regarding the dismantling of scaffolding sections.
Community feedback and any potential changes in local business operations in response to the ongoing situation.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments surrounding the hotel and potential impacts on local traffic and businesses.
Support local businesses that may be struggling due to the prolonged construction.

Don’t

Assume that the timeline for the project will remain unchanged; be prepared for further updates.
Neglect the importance of community engagement in addressing concerns about the construction.

Checklist

Check local news for updates on the hotel project and community responses.
Explore alternative routes when navigating the area around the Royal Mile.
Support local eateries and shops affected by the construction.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As this situation unfolds, several uncertainties remain. The complexity of the construction work could lead to further delays, and there is no guarantee that the current timeline will be adhered to. Community sentiment may also shift as frustrations mount, and businesses may continue to struggle to adapt to the ongoing disruption.

Bottom line

The continuing scaffolding at the Radisson G&V Hotel is a pressing issue for Edinburgh, affecting both the local community and visitors. With completion not expected until 2027, the project underscores the challenges of urban development and the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between contractors, local authorities, and residents.

FAQs

Why is the scaffolding at the Radisson G&V Hotel expected to remain until 2027?

The scaffolding is expected to remain due to "extremely complex" construction issues that have significantly delayed the remedial work initially planned to take months.

What impact has the scaffolding had on local businesses?

The scaffolding has forced some businesses, like Ondine, to relocate due to disruptions. Others, like Pizza Express, have struggled to maintain visibility and customer flow.

What is the local council doing about the situation?

Edinburgh's council leader has been vocal about the frustrations surrounding the delays and is committed to pressuring the contractors to expedite the completion of the necessary work.