By KLTV Newsdesk –

Proposals increase room count while preserving heritage as Huddersfield regeneration gains momentum

Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield, aiming to increase the number of rooms from 91 to 108 while maintaining the building’s unique character and heritage.

Working closely with architects and Historic England, the council has identified an opportunity to rework the internal layout of the hotel.

The updated proposal will create 17 additional rooms, further enhancing the site’s viability as a high-quality hospitality venue and helping to maximise returns on the council’s £30 million investment.

The new submission marks the second planning application relating to the refurbishment of the George Hotel.

It follows significant progress in the restoration phase, which has prepared the building for its forthcoming transformation.

Meeting Demand in the Town Centre

The decision to increase hotel capacity aligns with Huddersfield’s ongoing regeneration, including major cultural, educational, and infrastructure investments.

With the Transpennine Route Upgrade set to improve rail connectivity, and Huddersfield Railway Station located just next door, the George Hotel is strategically positioned to meet growing demand from business and leisure visitors.

The Council says the enhanced capacity will allow the hotel to support more guests and generate greater income to support the sustainability of the council’s investment.

A Cornerstone of the Huddersfield Blueprint

The George Hotel is a key element of the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s long-term plan to transform the town centre.

Once reopened, the hotel will be operated by Radisson, bringing a new accommodation offering to the town.

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

A Heritage Icon for a Modern Huddersfield

The George Hotel is not only a landmark of Huddersfield’s proud history, but also a symbol of its forward-looking future.

With these revised plans, Kirklees Council aims to ensure the building continues to serve the town in a meaningful way, preserving its rich heritage while contributing to economic growth and urban renewal.