RETAIL giant Marks & Spencer is to shut one of its two Huddersfield town centre stores.

The firm will close its Piazza branch later this year.

But the company has pledged to completely remodel its store in New Street, redeploying all the staff.

The third shop, Marks & Spencer’s Simply Food outlet at Waterloo, is unaffected by the plans.

Marks & Spencer has had its premises in New Street since 1934 and currently uses the premises to sell womenswear and food.

The Piazza store sells menswear and lingerie.

The shutdown will be a blow to shopping in that part of Huddersfield, as other outlets around The Piazza are empty.

But the news that the New Street store is to be revamped will be seen as a boost for shopping in the main pedestrianised area of the town centre.

A spokesman for the company said: “Marks & Spencer has today announced plans to commence a complete remodel of its New Street store in Huddersfield, to be completed by late autumn 2011.

“As part of the modernisation plans, M&S will close its Piazza Shopping Centre store later this year and bring all the departments under one roof at the redesigned New Street store.

“The store improvements, which are set to commence this summer, will see a complete overhaul of the store layout to make better use of space and accommodate the new menswear, lingerie and beauty departments.

“The changes will provide customers with an even better shopping experience following the introduction of new fitting rooms and a refreshed look with new flooring, shelving, signage and equipment.