Huddersfield’s iconic George Hotel is expected to open as a Radisson RED in 2025 and Huddersfield Hub asked ANDREW HEATH, associate director for business development UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, what we can expect.

Why is Huddersfield an attractive location for Radisson?

Huddersfield is a vibrant and growing town with much to offer visitors and businesses. It is home to a thriving cultural scene, with several museums, galleries and theatres.

The town is also a major centre for education and business, with a leading university – the University of Huddersfield – where a high percentage of graduates who study in Huddersfield stay with local employment.

Huddersfield is also well-connected to other major UK and European cities (via Manchester and Liverpool airports) making it a convenient base for travellers.

Was Radisson actively looking for a suitable site for a hotel in Huddersfield, or was it the potential/opportunity of the George Hotel itself that put Huddersfield on the radar?

Radisson Hotel Group is always looking for both fantastic hotels and great partners to work with. The George Hotel is a landmark building in the town centre dating back to 1851 with a rich history.

We were drawn to the hotel’s potential to transform into a vibrant and modern hotel that would appeal to business and leisure travellers.

Why is the George Hotel so unique, and what does Radisson intend to bring to this iconic building?

The George Hotel is a Grade II* listed building that has been a central feature of Huddersfield town centre for over 170 years. It also has a strong heritage and a link to Rugby League as the sport’s birthplace in 1895.

Radisson Hotel Group, working in partnership with Kirklees Council and Queensberry, intends to bring this iconic building back to life by restoring its grandeur and adding a modern/stylish flair.

There will be over 3,000 sq ft of meeting and event space split across the ground floor and basement, and a restaurant and bar serving delicious locally sourced food and drink for guests and locals.

We believe the Radisson RED brand, known for its bold and elegant design, is a perfect fit for the George Hotel.

Radisson RED is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a social scene that’s waiting to be shared and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests.

Radisson RED has over 80 properties in operation and in the pipeline globally. In the UK Radisson RED Glasgow, with its famous rooftop bar voted top 50 in the world, has won numerous prestigious awards.

We recently opened Radisson RED Liverpool, the brand’s first in the North of England. The tastefully renovated Grade II-listed property dating back to 1871, which blends history, legacy, and eclectic design, was originally one of the late 19th-century British railway hotels.

What are the plans for the interior design of the George Hotel? Describe how it will look and feel.

The interior design of the Radisson RED Huddersfield will be bold and stylish, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creativity and individuality.

The hotel will feature modern and vintage elements, focusing on sustainability. The public spaces will be social and inviting, with plenty of room for guests to relax and connect, ensuring the heritage of the building is preserved and creating an environment which encourages the community to come together and enjoy this landmark hotel.

What are the latest timescales for the start of works inside the building and the new hotel’s completion and opening?

The Radisson RED Huddersfield renovation has already begun, and the partnership is progressing well. The hotel is expected to open in 2025.