Inspired by a Dutch scheme in which ex-convicts, women escaping abusive relationships and single parents run a four-star hotel, Dewsbury is set to become home to the West Yorkshire's first social enterprise hotel.

The building itself is the former registry office that boasts character in architecture and history full of birth and marriage registrations.

Planning has been granted for the project,
( http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/planning-applications/search-for-planning-applications/detail.aspx?id=2016/91509 ) and ambitions are high to create a hotel staffed by some of the area’s most vulnerable young people.

The idea is to provide training for youngsters not in education or employment, without a home, or lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills. They will help run the hotel alongside hospitality experts, gaining experience, training, and eventually a formal qualification.

It is hoped that guests will be unaware of the hotel’s social-enterprise roots.

The aspiration is to open in Dec 2017 and be part of the new Education Village under construction in Dewsbury.

Not only the hotel will provide employment for some of the most marginalised people in Dewsbury, it will also double as a contemporary art gallery. The Project will work closely with Creative Scene and Dewsbury Arts College to provide space for upcoming art exhibitions.

It is anticipated to allocate one room (Hostel Style) with separate external access to local homeless individuals.

There is much work to be done but we are confident of delivering the Yorkshire's first social enterprise hotel. Not only will it provide life-changing opportunities for young people, it will also offer a fantastic quality of service to guests.