£1.8m
12 months
Project Overview
The hotel has stood empty for several years until the Council started a programme of investment to restore the iconic facility. This commenced with the first phase of external refurbishment.
‘Let’s take a moment to recognise and applaud our amazing project team and give special thanks to William Birch, Bowman Riley, AHR and Mono Masonry. Their tireless efforts in making Phases 1 and 2 a reality have been truly remarkable. The expertise and attention to detail they demonstrated have given The George Hotel a well-deserved makeover. Their professionalism, skill, and dedication to excellence have been instrumental in bringing The George Hotel back to life. The transformation of this historic gem is a testament to their craft and meticulous attention to detail.’
Project Manager, Kirklees Council
Scope of Works
Challenges & Our Approach
A key challenge of the project was the procurement planning and extended lead times associated with sourcing the specified natural stone required for the conservation works. Ensuring the stone accurately matched the original fabric was critical to maintaining the building’s historic integrity.
To address this, the team worked closely with Historic England and the Conservation Architect to identify suitable stone and agree traditional repair methods. Eight chimneys were carefully restored using lime mortar and traditional masonry techniques, with replacement stones colour-matched and carved to replicate the originals. Each stone was individually numbered to reflect its original size and position, mirroring the construction process used during the hotel’s original build in the 1850s.
This collaborative and methodical approach ensured the repairs were carried out to the highest conservation standards, resulting in a fully watertight structure while preserving the architectural significance and craftsmanship of this important heritage asset.
Sustainability
Careful consideration was given to material selection, ensuring the refurbishment remained sensitive to the building’s character while also minimising embodied carbon. Wherever possible, existing Welsh slate was carefully salvaged and reused, and only limited, discrete elements of ornate stonework were replaced, with new stone sourced from a local quarry to reduce environmental impact.
Social Value
In addition, we delivered a targeted programme of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect training for both the site team and our supply chain through the Supply Chain Sustainability School, supporting a more inclusive and responsible working environment.
Through these initiatives, we generated additional social value totalling almost £240,000, delivering lasting benefits beyond the core project scope.
Outcome
The conservation works have secured and enhanced the external fabric of the George Hotel, preserving a nationally significant heritage asset and ensuring its longevity for future generations. By restoring the building’s appearance and integrity, the project has re-established the hotel as a prominent and positive presence within Huddersfield town centre.
The works form a vital early step in the wider Huddersfield Blueprint, supporting regeneration ambitions by unlocking the building’s future reuse, strengthening local economic activity, and reinforcing the town’s identity as a destination for visitors and investment.
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