A RETAIL centre in the heart of Huddersfield has changed hands.

And there has been a promise of more development.

The Piazza Shopping Centre has been bought by investment group Allied Dunbar for an undisclosed sum.

The Piazza, which has 35 shops in the town centre, was sold by Coal Pension Properties.

Management of the centre also transfers from Lasalle Investment Management to property managing agent Donaldsons in Leeds.

Piazza centre manager John Beardall and his seven staff remain in post under the new owners.

Mr Beardall said the sale would have no impact on tenants or shoppers.

He said: "Allied Dunbar has bought the Piazza with a view to further investment in the centre."

The Piazza owns the shops at Princess Alexandra Walk, including ones at the front of Queensgate Market.

The centre featured in schemes created for Kirk- lees Council for a massive public consultation exercise for its library, before it was considered that the library and market hall might become listed buildings.

Mr Beardall said traders at the Piazza had this year seen similar trading levels to 2003.

"We are expecting a big increase in sales in the run-up to Christmas," he said.