More details revealed for plan to revive listed disused hotel

Proposals for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel, in Huddersfield town centre, have been made public in preparation for a formal planning application.

The plans would see the landmark building renovated then run by the council’s preferred operator – Radisson Hotel Group.

The £20m project would increase the number of bedrooms from 60 to 91. There would also be conference spaces, a bar and a restaurant.

A reception and lounge would be on the ground floor, along with the 70-seat restaurant and bar, and a large conference-style room for business use. The lower ground floor would provide a 100-cover banqueting suite for business events, receptions and weddings.

Development plans have been split into three defined blocks.

Block A incorporates the site’s original and most celebrated building, with a prominent location facing St George’s square towards the south.

This part of the building will be carefully restored to retain and protect its heritage features. It has five floors and a basement and would continue to be the main entry point to the hotel reception area.

Heritage experts have concluded Block B, which faces the railway station, is of low heritage value and in poor condition.

The plans are to demolish this three-storey part of the complex and create an entirely new-build block of a similar footprint.

Block C on John William Street is structurally in a similarly poor condition.

Under the new proposals, the attractive building façade would be retained. All existing internal structures and the courtyard would be removed and replaced by a new building.

There will be an open void through the centre of the building. This would run vertically from the ground floor atrium up to a glazed roof on the top level.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The George Hotel is a key part of Huddersfield’s heritage, and I am pleased we are ever closer to securing the future of this iconic building with a quality hotel operator.

“The future is bright for our town centres as long as we remain committed to investing in them and supporting businesses.

“Along with the Cultural Heart and other Blueprint projects, the George Hotel will cement Huddersfield as a great place to live, visit and do business in.”

The George Hotel is part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint. The blueprint is a ten-year vision to create a thriving town centre boasting a diverse and exciting offer.

A public consultation is taking place on the plans for the hotel and runs until 9 December. Proposals can be viewed and comments made at: https://kirklees.gov.uk/georgehotel

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