Kirklees Council has submitted updated plans for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield, proposing an increase in guest rooms while carefully preserving the landmark building’s architectural and heritage features.
Working in partnership with architects and Historic England, the council has reworked its original interior layout to create 17 additional rooms, bringing the total from 91 to 108. The revised plans aim to boost the hotel’s capacity and generate greater income to help repay the council’s £30 million investment in the project.
This marks the second planning application for the George Hotel’s transformation, following significant progress on the building’s restoration. Much of the external and structural work has now been completed, paving the way for interior renovation.
The expanded hotel capacity is expected to support a rise in tourism, particularly as Huddersfield continues to benefit from a wave of investment in cultural, business and education infrastructure. The town is currently undergoing major improvements through the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which is enhancing rail connectivity and modernising Huddersfield Railway Station—located directly beside the George Hotel.
The revitalisation of the hotel is also part of the broader Huddersfield Blueprint, a long-term vision to transform the town centre into a vibrant destination. Recent milestones include the opening of the Light leisure complex at Kingsgate, upgrades to New Street and St Peter’s Gardens, and the upcoming Our Cultural Heart project.
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.”
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