The iconic George Hotel in Huddersfield is back on the market – for £3 million.

Almost three years after the hotel shut down, the Grade II listed building is up for sale again.

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

And last September Dr Hussain secured planning permission to create a boutique hotel with 11 apartments and a rooftop bar.

New owner of The George Hotel, Huddersfield, Dr Altaf Hussain with the keys to the town centre landmark.

The revamp, which would have cut the number of hotel rooms from 60 to 30, also included a dental surgery for Dr Hussain on the first floor and a health spa and treatment rooms in the basement.

At the time Kirklees Council granted planning permission the conversion works were set to cost £2 million – but Dr Hussain remained tight-lipped on his intentions.

Now the hotel has been put on the market through Leeds-based property agent Christie & Co with an asking price of £3 million.

The hotel, not named on the website, is described as a “confidential instruction” with details only available via the agents.

Take a look inside the George Hotel

Christie & Co declined to comment and Dr Hussain did not respond.

Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who originally wanted the George to become a “high class” hotel, said: “What a saga this is.

“I always had my doubts that this owner had the capacity to deliver a successful hotel. What you need is a major investor.

“This was always going to be a major challenge so I am not surprised the hotel is up for sale again.”

Mr Sheerman said he wanted to see the hotel restored as a centrepiece and a focal point for the town.

He added: “I have always wanted a successful, central, high quality hotel and something we can be absolutely proud of. I will work hard behind the scenes to make sure that happens.”

Famously, the George was the birthplace of rugby league in 1895 and was previously home to the Rugby League Heritage Centre, a collection of memorabilia brought together by Dewsbury-born Sky Sports presenter Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson.

The George Hotel, St George's Square.

Mr Sheerman said he would like to see the George become the world’s first “rugby league hotel owned by the fans” but added: “The asking price seems to make that a remote possibility.

“That vision has not gone away and what a fantastic jewel in the crown it could be. I will work with anyone who has the best interests of the building at heart.”

The Examiner understands some of the rooms in the hotel have been refurbished to a high standard and have been shown to senior council officials.

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Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council’s regeneration chief, said: “We had noticed that a lot of work has gone on and our hope is that this building can be re-opened at least partially as a hotel.

“And we hope any future developer will share that vision. We realise what an important building the George is for the town. It is an iconic feature of Huddersfield.

“Such a developer will have our total support.”