Long-awaited work on restoring Huddersfield’s iconic George Hotel to its former glory could start soon.

The last remaining obstacle – the design of a spectacular rooftop bar – should be ironed out shortly.

If planning permission is approved 55 full-time and 10 part-time jobs could be created.

The landmark building was bought by dentist turned entrepreneur Altaf Hussain for around £900,000 in April 2013.

Just over a year later change of use plans were submitted to Kirklees Council for a 30-bed hotel, 11 apartments, a luxury basement spa, dental centre and a rooftop bar.

The five-storey hotel in St George’s Square previously had 60 bedrooms.

If the plans are passed – and project architect Patrick Durkin says apart from the rooftop bar “everything else, more or less, has been rubber-stamped” by planners – Dr Hussain’s dream of the building re-opening in the spring may become a reality.

Mr Durkin, of Halifax Construction & Architectural Services, said: “The only remaining obstacle is the design of the rooftop bar and balustrade and I have submitted a final design to the planners in the last few days.

“It’s got to be a seamless glass structure. The council will have to consider it as well as English Heritage. The rooftop bar is a cracking idea with panoramic views across the town.

“We have had plenty of discussions with the planners and I know Altaf is eager to get past the final hurdle.”

Community leaders are keeping a close watch on the development and Chris Marsden, of Huddersfield Civic Society, said: “If it does generate that number of jobs that would be wonderful.”

Kathryn Gibson, inspector of historic buildings and areas for English Heritage, said in its initial response to the plans that “the current proposals will provide for a sustainable future for this important building and English Heritage is broadly supportive of the scheme.”

Dr Hussain declined to comment in detail at this stage.

Will you be sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar? Whet your appetite with 11 of the best: