AN ESTATE agents is moving into more suitable premises within a shopping centre.

Boydens are relocating their Braintree branch from its previous address in Bank Street to an empty unit in the George Yard Shopping Centre.

A planning application for minor alteration work to the former Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, which has been empty since last year, was submitted to Braintree Council in July, and has now received approval.

Paul Howe, marketing and PR manager for Boydens, said: "We are optimistic about the property market in Braintree and so we are investing in our presence in the town.

"We have been seeking a new location which better suits the needs of us as a business and of our local customers for some time.

"The new site provides a more useable layout. Relocating our branch will also enable us to take advantage of the high footfall being located within the George Yard Shopping Centre provides."

The company will be moving into the new premises, which are grade II listed, on October 28, with staff from the previous branch moving to the new site.

Mr Howe said: "We have a small, local team and we are keen to build our business in Braintree and are very optimistic we can achieve that in our new location."

The shop on Bank Street was previously leased by Boydens and will be re-let once a new tenant is found.