Grade II-listed George Hotel: Major updates planned to hotel closed since 2013
Major updates to the redevelopment of an iconic Huddersfield hotel were among the planning applications submitted this week.
The Grade II-listed George Hotel has been vacant since 2013 and was bought by Kirklees Council in 2020, with the aim of refurbishing the building as part of a plan to transform the town centre.
In May last year, updated proposals were submitted, including an increase in the number of rooms from 91 to 108.
Now, it appears that additional applications have been submitted to continue the project. Elsewhere, Kirklees Council continues to forge ahead with the construction of the temporary indoor market, with cabins and a waste compound proposed earlier this week.
Take a scroll to read the five most interesting applications from this week’s list that could play a part in changing Kirklees forever.
The latest update from George Hotel Redevelopment
The George Hotel is an iconic, Grade II-listed landmark, famously known as the birthplace of Rugby League in 1895. The latest application is part of the ongoing project to revamp the hotel into a 108-bedroom venue featuring a new bar, restaurant, and gym.
Because it is a protected historic building, planners previously ordered that deep underground safety checks be conducted before major construction begins. This new request submits a detailed ground investigation report to demonstrate that the site is stable and free of hidden hazards. Once the council approves these safety findings, developers can move forward with the partial demolition and extension of the iconic hotel.
Bins for the Temporary Indoor Market
Kirklees Council has been forging plans to build a temporary indoor market with office cabins and parking next to the Huddersfield Open Market.
Although the project had already been approved, the council still needs to iron out a few final details before construction can begin. The new application is simply providing the required blueprints for the site’s bin storage and anti-crime security measures.
Once the planning department approves these final safety and waste management details, this temporary market project can move forward.
Huddersfield Bus Station Revamp
Kirklees Council is moving ahead with a major two-phase revamp of Huddersfield Bus Station, which includes a new entrance canopy, upgraded shopfronts, and a brand-new cycle hub.
Although the construction plans were previously approved, the council have had to submit further paperwork before starting the actual work.
This new paperwork outlines how they will safely manage building site traffic, protect the environment during construction, and clean up any contaminated land. If the planners officially approve these final safety and environmental details, the station’s physical transformation can get underway.
Former Mill to Apartments Conversion
Developers want to move ahead with converting the former Bankgate Mills in Slaithwaite into five new apartments and building four ‘carports’.
To get the green light for construction, the latest application outlines the specific building materials they will use and the exact construction methods. It also includes historical records of the old mill to ensure the area’s local heritage is properly documented before any demolition begins.
Fleece Farm Barn Conversion
The owner of Fleece Farm in South Crosland has asked to convert an old agricultural building into six new homes. The application is a “prior notification” request – meaning the developer is simply checking if the conversion can go ahead under relaxed planning rules without needing a full, traditional application.
This includes considering basic factors such as traffic, noise, and flood risk to figure out whether the barn-to-housing transformation is allowed.