Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character.
Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still preserving the building’s beautiful architecture and heritage.
This is the second planning application submitted by the council for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel. The revised plans come following a large amount of the restoration now being completed in preparation for the renovation works.
The revised plans would see the number of rooms planned increase from 91 to 108. Expanding the hotel’s capacity in this way would enable it to support more guests and generate more income to repay the council’s £30million investment.
Huddersfield town centre is continuing to benefit from major cultural, business and education investments. In addition, the multimillion-pound TransPennine Route Upgrade is improving connectivity and Huddersfield Railway Station itself, which is on the George’s doorstep. All of these investments will contribute to attracting more visitors to the town which is why it is important to capitalise on the building’s possibilities and increase capacity.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “The Huddersfield Blueprint is really starting to take shape now, with our 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.
“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.
“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, hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.”
The George is a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s master plan to transform the town centre, and once restored it will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson.
