THE scaffolding that has covered part of George IV Bridge is set to finally be taken down in November this year – five years after works began.
Construction began on the site of the former Missoni hotel in 2020 and was supposed to be completed later the same year.
Due to “several complex issues” however, further investigations were required and remedial works ended up running over the past four years.
It is hoped that the first facade will be uncovered in February, with the removals phased and due to be completed in November.
One user posted to social media yesterday saying “The scaffolding at the Radisson/George IV Bridge is finally being taken down.
“It should all be gone by November, a mere 5+ years later.”
They went on to quote a council business bulletin for a meeting next week which states: “Work at the G&V Hotel was originally scheduled to commence and complete in 2020.
“However, initial investigations discovered several complex issues that needed to be addressed before the scaffolding could be removed.
“Over the past four years, the owner of the building, and their contractor, have been carrying out further investigations, undertaking a design process for the issues identified at the time of the initial works and carrying out remedial works on site.
“The remedial works are now in their final stage, and a timeframe for completion and removal of the scaffolding has been received.
“The removal has been phased to ensure that the scaffolding can be removed at the earliest opportunity.
“The first façade/elevation is due to be uncovered by February 2025 with the process continuing throughout 2025.
“The final sections of scaffolding are scheduled for removal in November 2025.”
The post received over 130 likes and comments, with many glad that the “eyesore” will no longer blight the centre of town.
One user said: “Surprised the scaffolding’s not listed by now”.
Another responded: “This thing better look like the Sistine Chapel”.
A third commented: “What an eyesore it’s been. So glad it’ll finally be down.”
A fourth asserted: “I moved to Edinburgh in 2020 and left in 2024.
“I never saw the building underneath the scaffolding. What about all the scaffolding on the North Bridge? Is that still there?
“I also have never seen the bridge underneath.”
Construction work began on nearby North Bridge around seven years ago and is also set to wrap up this winter.
The council bulletin goes on to say: “Council officers will continue to work with the owner of the site to minimise the impact of the development on residents, businesses and other road users.
“The site has all required permissions in place and officers are working with the site delivery team to improve signing, guarding and the visual impact of the site.
“The site delivery team have committed to continuing conversations with residents, businesses and those within the community immediately affected by the development of the hotel.
“Communication takes the form of advertising on site, direct mailing and messaging and is a condition of the road occupation permit in place.”
Seafood restaurant Ondine Oyster and Grill was forced to close its doors due to the scaffolding on George IV Bridge which completely covered its premises.
After closing on Hogmanay, the team is now searching for a new Edinburgh site.
The restaurant shared their announcement to social media in November, writing: “Our decision to move wasn’t an easy one but we want to ensure Ondine’s customers enjoy the superior dining experience they deserve.
“In recent years this has been hampered by the ongoing works to the façade of the building that is occupied in part by Ondine.
“With no end in sight to these works we have decided relocation is our best option, both for you and for us.”
