Deal approved for council to buy Rugby League’s birthplace
Kirklees Council’s cabinet has agreed a deal to purchase Huddersfield’s iconic George Hotel, after submitting a bid to create a National Rugby League Museum in the building – where the sport was born.
The Grade II-listed George Hotel in Huddersfield is famous for being the birthplace of rugby league in 1895. The hotel was built in 1851 and closed in January 2013.
A spokesman for the council explained: “When we launched our Huddersfield Blueprint vision in June 2019 it included an ambition to bring the building back into use.
“We announced in March this year that we had agreed a deal in principle to purchase the George Hotel in Huddersfield Town Centre.
“Cabinet has approved the deal, which will see the building come into the ownership of the council – this will be completed in the coming weeks.
“We’re now looking to make the building a key part of a future thriving Huddersfield Town Centre and in May 2020 we submitted a bid to create a National Rugby League Museum within it. Announcements will be made by Rugby League Cares shortly.”
Councillor Shabir Pandor, leader of the council, said: “I can think of no better place to create a National Rugby League Museum than the building where the sport itself was born and the public support we’ve received since submitting our bid has been overwhelming.
“The future of the George Hotel is crucial to our plans for Huddersfield Town Centre. We’re serious about revitalising our town centres and we will invest the money needed to do this.
“I’m delighted that we can now complete the purchase and bring the George Hotel back to life.”
Cllr Peter McBride, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “By making this investment and buying the George Hotel we can save it from any further deterioration and make it a key part of our vision for Huddersfield Town Centre.
“The George Hotel will be part of a revitalised St George’s Square which will include a revamped train station, an improved public space and more of our heritage buildings being brought back into use.
“Our bid to create a National Rugby League Museum in the hotel has been submitted and we’re confident we have made a very strong case to bring rugby league home.”
