Additional £9.8 Million Allocated for Huddersfield Hotel Renovation

Kirklees Council has allocated an additional £9.8 million in funding for the refurbishment of the George Hotel, a significant landmark in Huddersfield. This Grade II listed establishment, which Kirklees Council acquired four years prior as part of its broader strategy for town centre regeneration, has remained unoccupied since 2013. The council stated that the restoration initiative, initially granted £20.2 million two years ago, required this additional capital due to escalating expenses and unforeseen complications encountered during the on-site work. The cabinet of Kirklees Council formally approved this funding proposal during a recent meeting. This sum will be drawn from existing funds designated for Huddersfield’s regeneration efforts, bringing the total investment in the hotel project to £30 million. The hotel is projected to commence operations in 2027 and will be managed by the hotel group Radisson. According to the council, an assessment was conducted into potentially expanding the number of planned rooms from 91 to 108, aiming to boost revenue and recoup the investment. Council leader Carole Pattison commented: “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.” She further stated: “Bringing this building back to life is one of our priorities within the Huddersfield Blueprint, and we’re unwavering in that commitment.” Pattison also remarked: “We want the finished hotel to be fantastic, because we know how much it’s loved by local people, and what a great opportunity this presents to boost our local economy and tourism.” Separately, the council is tasked with identifying approximately £30 million in savings to balance its budget for the upcoming year. However, the approval of this specific funding plan for the hotel would not necessitate any new expenditure.