The George Hotel in Huddersfield – which is renowned for having been the place at which 21 clubs founded the Rugby Football League in 1895 – has been sold to a private investor. The hotel, which was on the market for offers in excess of £900,000, will undergo significant refurbishment before reopening to the public.
Julian Troup, head of hotels agency at Colliers International – which acted for the joint receivers on the sale – comments: “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 60-bedroom landmark property has been purchased by Northpoint Living Developments. Director Dr Altaf Hussain – who is also the principal of Huddersfield Dental Care Centre – intends to renovate the interior of the hotel to restore it to its original splendour.
Altaf says: “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 George Hotel has been on the market since 2nd January, when the Royal Bank of Scotland appointed Jon Cookson and Nigel Nattress at Colliers International as joint law of property act receivers. The Gillette Rugby League Heritage Centre was separately owned, and was not part of the sale of The George Hotel.
