Plans for a £20m refurbishment of the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield have been given the go ahead by Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee today, with the hotel set to be operated by Radisson RED.
The approved plans for the 91-room boutique hotel form part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint, a ten-year vision to create a thriving town centre boasting a diverse and exciting offer.
An important landmark adjacent to the Huddersfield Railway Station, The George Hotel was the first building on St George's Square in 1851.
In March 2020, Kirklees Council purchased the Grade II* Listed building so it could secure its future and incorporate it within its long-term regeneration programme.
The new-look hotel promises a fashionable feel and will incorporate a basement, ground floor and four upper levels. Radisson RED, known for their stylish interiors and vibrant bars, will operate the premises.
As part of the refurbishment, the original building, which has a prominent location facing St George's Square, will be refurbished almost entirely in its current state. The hotel’s historic façade will also be preserved along John William Street, but with a new structure replacing the existing internal structures behind.
A historically unimportant three-storey block, which faces towards the train station, is in poor condition and requires dismantling. It will be replaced by a similar sized and more sympathetic block using quality materials and a similar colour palette to the rest of the structure.
As part of remodelling, the ground floor will house the hotel's reception lobby, lounge and a 70-seat restaurant and bar. There will also be a large conference-style room for hire and the lower ground floor will provide a 100-cover banqueting suite for business events, receptions and weddings.
Leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Shabir Pandor, said: “Today is a significant milestone for the George Hotel and we’re delighted to have secured an exciting and long-term future for it. Huddersfield town centre has long needed a high-quality hotel and Radisson RED is a stand-out international hotel brand known for its eye-catching style and excellent customer service.
“Alongside our wider Huddersfield Blueprint plans and Our Cultural Heart, the George will act as an impressive gateway to the town centre and continue to grow our profile as an attractive destination for tourism and business.”
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “Our goal from the outset has been to do this historic building justice, not just as a key part of Huddersfield’s heritage but also as a major economic driver in the town. I’m thrilled that our plans have been approved.
“This is a hugely exciting project. We’ve gone to great lengths to make sure that, in delivering these plans, we’ll now be working with the best possible range of contractors to achieve our vision – reopening the hotel as an amazing new establishment with international hotel operators Radisson RED.”
Adela Cristea, vice president, business development UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We’re proud to build on the success of Radisson RED and continue its UK expansion with this impressive project. We’re delighted to partner with Kirklees Council and bring a new chapter to one of Huddersfield’s most iconic buildings by introducing the bold and vibrant brand to the town.”
Kirklees Council have now appointed Morgan Sindall in a Pre-Contract Service Agreement, and they will be working on further designs for the building work over the coming months.
The council have also now appointed Queensberry as the project’s development manager, and Bowman Riley are the architect and heritage advisor.
Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, commented: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to work on what will be a significant new addition to the town. Our business has strong local connections with Huddersfield having completed many projects here over the years, and we look forward to helping to grow the local economy and bring a skills boost to the area through our work on this fabulous new hotel.”
Andrew Davison, project director at Queensberry, added: “We are extremely pleased with today’s positive outcome. The building has significant history and this sympathetic redevelopment will secure its long-term future, whilst also acting as a catalyst for wider investment and regeneration in the great town of Huddersfield. The Raddison brand is a very fitting custodian to maintain this wonderful asset and we’re sure both locals and visitors to Huddersfield will enjoy it.”
