​St George’s Square: The George Hotel

Planning application  2019/91505 and 2019/91506 
Location: St George’s Square
​Description of development: The George Hotel.

Huddersfield Civic Society welcomes these applications to secure, restore and introduce some changes of use within one of Huddersfield’s most notable buildings. The heritage statement supporting the application indicates comprehensive retention of historic/architecturally important features and HCS would emphasise the need to ensure protection of these elements during the period of building work.

HCS does not object to the external interventions proposed. Indeed, it considers that the entrance to John William Street could be extended to indicate access to part of the building for which will serve other uses, subject to suitable detailing and proportions.

HCS would support the display of historic material relating to the founding of Rugby League at the hotel (some of which was formerly housed within the hotel’s RL Heritage Centre) with the agreement of the RFL, University of Huddersfield, which holds the Rugby League archives, and Kirklees Council, should future town centre cultural developments be implemented.

Finally, the success, viability and longevity of the development and its associated businesses will be greatly enhanced if Kirklees Council and its partners are able to secure a link between St George’s Square and the Railway Warehouse and its adjoining land. The George (and other developments such as Estate Buildings), would benefit enormously from such an initiative being realised.