Issue details

To provide Cabinet with an update on the latest position regarding the George Hotel project, and seek approval for a way forward.

Papers provided for Cabinet 11.10.2022 – link below:

Decision - The refurbishment and redevelopment of the George in Huddersfield Town Centre to transform this building into a new hotel as part of the Huddersfield Blueprint | Kirklees Council

Engagement Process

Engagement has taken place with various services across the Council in the development of the project to ensure alignment and support with other projects and programmes, and this will continue as the scheme progresses.

Engagement with Historic England, WYCA and other key stakeholders has also continued, and they continue to support the scheme. In advance of Cabinet, Ward Councillors will be offered briefing sessions to discuss the latest position, and all key stakeholders will be engaged as the project progresses.

Consultation

This report deals with the delivery of one part of the Blueprint. The Blueprint was subject to several engagement exercises commencing in 2018 as part of the Blueprint development and then again late in 2019 after the Blueprint launch the council undertook a Place Standard exercise to benchmark public reaction to the approach and projects. The results from this exercise show there is a great desire to bring the George into active use. The key report for this can be found by accessing the following link:

https://howgoodisourplace.org.uk/huddersfield-town-centre/

Moving forward, the detailed designs will be subject to formal consultation through the planning stage where all parties, including members of the public, will have access to detailed plans and will be able to comment on the proposals.