Architects have been appointed to work on the George Hotel and the Estates Building in Huddersfield town centre.

Kirklees Council has appointed architects Bowman Riley for two of the Huddersfield Blueprint’s most significant projects and part of the large investment in the town.

Experts in the architectural sector, Bowman Riley bring with them a whole host of experience of working on heritage buildings.

The Huddersfield Blueprint, which was unveiled in June 2019, will see significant regeneration across the town centre and aims to create a thriving, modern-day centre that is vibrant with art, culture and leisure, and a great place to live with improved access and enhanced public spaces.

The Station Gateway High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), that these buildings sit within, is a grant scheme funded by partnership working between Historic England and Kirklees Council.

It aims to regenerate the high street through the reuse and repair of historic buildings. The scheme will fund the repair and revitalisation of the George Hotel and the former Estates Building with work due to be completed by 2024.

Alongside the regeneration of the buildings, there will be a number of community events held around the town to celebrate Huddersfield’s unique architectural heritage.

Partly funded through HAZ, over the next three years, Bowman Riley will carry out all aspects of architectural work required to bring these iconic Huddersfield buildings back to life, taking care to preserve their heritage so that they can play a big role in the vision for the town.

Architects appointed for Blueprint projects

David Shepherd, strategic director for growth and regeneration said: “Recruiting the architects to work on these projects is an important step towards achieving our Blueprint vision for Huddersfield.

“Regeneration projects of this scale take time to get off the ground, but that doesn’t mean the legal and technical work isn’t happening in the background.

“The renovation of the George Hotel and Estates Building will help to bring more independent and local businesses to the town, increasing the town’s cultural and leisure offerings.

“Once completed, I’m sure that they will attract shoppers and visitors from across the region to the town centre.”

Chris Collett, from Historic England, said: “The appointment of Bowman Riley represents a significant stage in the redevelopment of two of Huddersfield’s most important historic buildings and the wider rejuvenation of St George’s Square.

“By bringing these underused buildings back into to use, the High Street Heritage Action Zone will breathe new life into St George’s Square and encourage local people and visitors to spend more time in Huddersfield’s town centre.”