‘People will be upset’ if rugby museum hotel plan scrapped
A MAJOR hitch is developing over plans to create the first-ever National Rugby League Museum at the George Hotel in Huddersfield, The Examiner can reveal.
Despite the decision in June last year to house the facility at the sport’s spiritual home following a recommendation by an independent selection panel, alternative plans to house it in the cultural quarter of Huddersfield Library are being seriously discussed by the parties involved in the negotiations.
The news will infuriate Rugby League fans who have set their hearts on seeing the venue where the sport that would become Rugby League was born host the museum.
On August 29, 1895, 21 clubs met at the hotel to agree on a breakaway from the Rugby Football Union so working-class players would be compensated for wages lost when playing rugby.
It’s thought there are cost implications to consider and whether housing such a large museum in the historic building may put off a future hotel operator.
A five-strong independent panel chose Huddersfield over Wigan partly thanks to Kirklees Council’s strong commitment to the museum, which was made possible by the decision to buy the landmark Victorian hotel.
One source close to the negotiations said: “There’s an ongoing discussion taking place which I hope can be amicably resolved.
“There have been constructive decisions and I am hopeful of the outcome.”
Another source added: “It will cause a big fuss if it does not go ahead at The George and people need to get round a table and try to fix it.
“There is a body of opinion that thinks Huddersfield Library is a more logical place for a museum than a building that was for so many years used as a hotel.”
Kirklees councillor Bernard McGuin, (Con, Almondbury), said: “The Rugby Football League was formed in the George Hotel and it makes sense for the museum to be housed at The George Hotel.
“People will be upset if it is not. “There will be a lot of very disgruntled people and obviously I would prefer for it to be sited there.
“However, the library would be the second-best choice if it comes to that.”
Retired postman and keen Rugby League fan Neil Brook, of Crosland Moor, who has been watching The Giants since 1960 said: “The George Hotel is where the sport was born and that is where the museum should be.”
The George Hotel in St George’s Square is currently covered in scaffolding from top to bottom and it will be months before it becomes open for use.
Kirklees Council has been contacted for comment.
There will be a lot of very disgruntled people and I would prefer for it to be sited there