The George Hotel Redevelopment – Huddersfield

Kirklees Council

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Bowman Riley has provided architecture, conservation architecture, interior design and the roles of lead consultant and principal designer on the George Hotel redevelopment for Kirklees Council.

The George is an elegant Grade II* listed 1851 landmark next to the railway station in Huddersfield to meet the needs of the Victorian traveller. In 2013, the 60-bed hotel closed due to competition from budget hotels.

Following our project to provide conservation architecture on the repair and conservation of the façade of the George, we prepared a feasibility study to consider the alterations necessary to create a 90+ bedroom hotel.  Development partner Queensberry undertook a preliminary assessment of the George. The findings were that the building would need substantial changes to attract a hotel chain to secure its long-term future. Our designs helped attract Radisson to operate the building as a Radisson Red Hotel.

Following a review of the heritage significance of the building, we identified the 1930s wing as having the most capacity for change, followed by the east wing. We developed plans to demolish the 1930s wing and substantially alter the east wing to achieve 90+ bedrooms. Historic England understands the need for change and is keen to see this heritage asset brought back into viable reuse, which supported the planning approval application.

We are leading a multi-disciplined team bringing external consultants and specialists for quantity surveying provided by Turner & Townsend, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering provided by Ramboll, and fire, BREEAM and acoustics by Mott MacDonald, combining expertise and resources to ensure a seamless project execution.

“We have been impressed with Bowman Riley’s pragmatic approach and knowledge to overcome some tricky issues, especially regarding planning/Listed Building Consent. We look forward to carrying the scheme forward with them.”

Jack Pasley, Queensberry