The Arcade in Dewsbury and George Hotel in Huddersfield given regeneration funding grants to save their futures

The cash is currently sitting in the coffers of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), a group of leading councillors and officers from West Yorkshire councils, plus York, that works on major infrastructure projects.

If it is released it means £1.37m will go towards making the George Hotel safe and ready for development.

The 1850s building was bought last year by Kirklees Council in a £1.8m deal. The full cost of refurbishment could be as much as £9.27m, according to WYCA.

The Grade II* listed building is to become the home of the National Museum for Rugby League but will also include “complementary commercial space”.

Among the options being considered for the hotel’s upper floors are office space or overnight accommodation.

WYCA says office space would deliver approximately 148 jobs whilst overnight accommodation would deliver approximately 134 jobs.

At its meeting next week WYCA’s Investment Committee will also discuss putting £600,000 towards the revival of the Dewsbury Arcade, which was purchased by Kirklees Council for £900,000.

It is envisaged to be “a hub of activity in a central part of the town centre where local and independent businesses can thrive as part of a unique shopping and leisure facility”.

The cost of refurbishment is said by WYCA to be £3.25m.

Community benefit company ‘The Arcade - Dewsbury’ is aiming to become the “preferred bidder” to take on the building’s lease with a view to running it for the benefit of the town.

The George Hotel forms part of the council’s £250m Huddersfield Blueprint. The Arcade is a key element within the £200m Dewsbury Blueprint.

The two schemes will be funded by the Getting Building Fund. WYCA secured £52.6m from the government fund in September 2020 to accelerate projects in response to Covid-19 to boost the region’s overall economic recovery following the pandemic.

Coun Denise Jeffery, chair of WYCA’s Investment Committee and Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It is going to be very important to encourage people to return to our town and city centres as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These projects will support the recovery of Dewsbury and Huddersfield town centres, helping to create jobs and boosting the overall local economy. ”