The restoration project for a historic Huddersfield hotel has received a further cash injection of £9.8 million from Kirklees Council.

The vacant George Hotel was purchased by the council four years ago after lying dormant since 2013, with a number of improvements still required for it to be available for use.

Once restored, the George – a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council's masterplan to transform the town centre – will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson.

The Grade II* listed building has already received £20.2 million from the council's Cabinet two years ago, but increases in construction costs and additional issues found on site, mostly due to the nature of the historic building and its complexities, meant further funds were required.

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The latest influx in cash will bring the project's total to £30 million, with the hotel aiming to be open in 2027.

The council have also explored the possibility of increasing the number of rooms planned from 91 to 108, in a bid to help the George generate more income to repay the Cabinet's investment.

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: "The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield's past, and for people travelling by rail it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. 

"Bringing this building back to life is one of our priorities within the Huddersfield Blueprint, and we're unwavering in that commitment.

"As with many of our regeneration plans – particularly projects which involve the refurbishment of such beautiful, historic structures – it’s a hugely complex process, greatly impacted by the current economic climate. 

"What we're proposing is a more streamlined vision for the hotel, with greater capacity and solutions that take better care of this beautiful building's history.

She added: "I'm pleased that Cabinet continue to see bringing this beautiful building back into use as a priority."