Revised plans for Grade II listed hotel submitted

Revised plans for the renovation of a landmark Huddersfield hotel have been submitted by the council.

The Grade II listed George Hotel, which has been vacant since 2013, was bought by Kirklees Council in 2020 as part of its plans to transform the town centre.

The authority said the revised plans came after a large amount of restoration work had already been completed in preparation for the renovation.

The updated proposals include increasing the number of rooms from 91 to 108.

The council said expanding the capacity would enable it to accommodate more guests and generate more income to repay its £30m investment.

Once restored, the hotel will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson.

Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: "The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield's past, and for people travelling by rail, it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre.

"Once rejuvenated, the hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy."

Turner said the new plans for the George, which form part of the Huddersfield Blueprint, marked another step towards the council's vision for the town "becoming a reality".

"The recently opened leisure complex – the Light at Kingsgate, together with the enhancements to the public realm on New Street and St Peter's Gardens and the eagerly anticipated Our Cultural Heart will all enhance the high street," he said.

"External investments like the University of Huddersfield's National Health Innovation Campus, the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade are helping to put Huddersfield on the map."

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