Morgan Sindall lined up for Huddersfield’s George Hotel
The contractor appears to be in the driving seat to secure the redevelopment of the town centre landmark, where Radisson RED is inked in to open a 91-bedroom hotel.
Built in 1851, the grade two-listed building is known as the birthplace of rugby league. The George Hotel closed in 2013 and occupies a key site in the town, sitting on St George’s Square close to Huddersfield railway station.
The hotel was traded in 2013, and then bought by local authority Kirklees Council for £1.8m in 2020.
Following the completion of a deal with Kirklees signed in March, Radisson RED Huddersfield is set to open in winter 2024/25 following an extensive restoration and refurbishment of the historic property. Outline plans include meeting and events spaces, a fitness room and on-site restaurant and bar.
Bowman Riley is the architect for the scheme, with Queensberry Real Estate working as Kirklees’ development manager.
In a statement, Kirklees Council said: “The George Hotel is an exciting project, and we want to make sure we’re working with the best possible range of contractors to achieve our vision of reopening the hotel as an amazing new establishment with international hotel operators Radisson RED.
“We are currently in the final processes of appointing contractors who we feel will be able to do this historic building justice – not just as a key part of Huddersfield’s heritage, but also as a major economic driver in the town.
“Detailed plans for the George will be considered by the council’s Planning Committee next month. It’s a complex project that will require a great deal of skill and attention to detail, but once that process is complete we’ll be able to make a more detailed announcement.
“In the meantime, we’re in close discussions with several contractors on different aspects of the regeneration process, including Morgan Sindall.”
MS was approached for comment. The firm was last year appointed by the University of Huddersfield to build its £4.5m Faith Centre.
The George Hotel project has won the backing of Historic England, which described the plans as a “posirive vision” for the site and applauded the retention of hotel use.
