Council purchases historic Huddersfield hotel

Kirklees Council has purchased the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield, which is famous for being the birthplace of Rugby League in 1895.

The purchase forms part of the council’s ‘Huddersfield Blueprint’, which focuses on regenerating six key areas in the town centre – Station Gateway, St Peter’s, Kingsgate and King Street, New Street, the civic quarter and a new ‘cultural heart’ section.

According to the local authority, it will look at delivering five key objectives for Huddersfield’s town centre – a vibrant culture, art, leisure and nightlife offer, thriving businesses, a great place to live, improved access and enhanced public spaces.

The Grade II-listed George Hotel is famous for being the birthplace of rugby league in 1895. The hotel was built in 1851 and closed in January 2013, where it has since stood derelict.

It sits on St George’s Square and is opposite Huddersfield Train Station.

Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: ‘The historic significance of this building means this is something we absolutely have to do. By purchasing the George Hotel we can make sure it has a permanent place in our plans for Huddersfield Town Centre.

‘It also sits in St George’s Square which is a key entrance to Huddersfield for thousands of people every day using the train station. The George Hotel will be part of a revitalised St George’s Square which will include a revamped train station, an improved public space and more of our heritage buildings being brought back into use.

‘We’re now in the process of exploring a number of different future uses for the building. We have to take our time to make sure we get this absolutely right.’

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: ‘When we launched the Huddersfield Blueprint, we said we were committed to get the George Hotel back open and this shows just how serious we are.

‘The George Hotel is much more than a building to people in Huddersfield and to rugby league fans. It’s a proud part of our history and we want to make sure it is also part of our exciting future.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay