Revamp for Yorkshire hotel where rugby league began

The 60-bedroom George Hotel in the centre of Huddersfield, noted for being the birthplace of rugby league when 21 clubs met there in 1895 , will reopen as an hotel but its new owner says there will have to be “additional commercial uses” to pay for the substantial overheads.

The developer has not revealed whether student flats could be one of the uses.

The Grade II listed Victorian building’s new owner is Northpoint Living Developments whose director is Dr Altaf Hussain, a dentist and principal of Huddersfield Dental Care Centre.

Dr Altaf said the intention was to renovate the interior.

“Recognising the need to maximise its potential for commercial opportunities, the restaurant and coffee shop leasing will be investigated, with the intention of creating employment for local people in the running of the hotel.

“Discussions with Kirklees Council and Acumen Architects will be undertaken to explore other development possibilities. It is anticipated the hotel will be opened within a short timescale, whilst ensuring its long-term future.

“Providing additional commercial uses within surplus and under-used accommodation will be paramount to mitigating the substantial overheads involved in running such a hotel and enable it to be upgraded.”

The sale price was not revealed but is believed to be in excess of £900,000.

Colliers International acted for the joint receivers on the sale. Julian Troup, head of hotels agency at Colliers International, said: “There was a significant amount of interest in The George, not least because of its rugby league connection, but also because of its attractive Grade II listed Victorian heritage and its market potential.

“This has been a relatively speedy sale, achieved in tough market conditions.”

The hotel closed in January. The previous owner said it was making losses.