A mutli-million pound shopping complex in Braintree is to be sold.

The George Yard centre is being offloaded by owners P&O Properties but assurances have been given that the future of the shops is secure and the position of the centre manager is safe.

The firm has decided to sell George Yard along with all its assets across the country to focus on its cruise liner business. The changeover of ownerships is said to be "imminent".

The deal will not affect the 715-space George Yard multi-storey car park which is owned by Braintree Council.

Shopping centre manager Derek Salmon said the 36 shops were safe and his position was also secure.

He said: "I can confirm the centre will be sold but I am unable to go into any more detail than that. The sale is imminent and there is a buyer who will be taking it over."

P&O Properties has owned George Yard since it was built in 1989.

The complex sees retail giants such as Boots, W H Smith and Our Price alongside independent traders such as Sporting Connections and card shop Deco.

It is a popular venue not only with shoppers but is also known as the hub of town centre events such as the US Independence Day celebrations in July and the popular street car parade in August.

A spokeswoman on behalf Richard Christmas, P&O Properties shopping centres managing director, said: "We can't reveal the details of the sale yet because of confidentiality.

"We're selling all our property portfolio and this is not only our shopping centres but warehouses and offices as well.

"The sale is in its final stages and we hope to make an announcement soon on a new buyer for George Yard."

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