THE former site of a family fabric business which has operated in Braintree for nearly seven decades has now been filled by multiple businesses.

Lingard Fabrics, which was based at Twyford House in Rayne Road, closed on April 27.

The business had been in Braintree for 67 years and offers bespoke made-to-measure curtains, made-to-measure blinds, curtain poles, tracks and more.

It confirmed on social media prior to the closure it would be moving the Braintree business to Sudbury, and stated there is free parking in the town.

Moved out - an image of Lingard Fabrics when it was based at the buildingMoved out - an image of Lingard Fabrics when it was based at the building (Image: Google Maps)

Following the large business unit being made empty, Scott Meek, director of Essex and Suffolk Business Sales, confirmed the space has been filled.

The ground floor of Twyford House has been taken over by Braintree’s Artoria Tattoo and Piercings, which was founded by Lee Dobbs and is co-owned by Billy Venni.

Billy said: “There is a lot of work to go into it, we need to get it to a good standard first.

“We’re all about quality, especially when it comes to hygiene, so that’s our main focus at the moment.”

New tenants - Lee Dobbs & Billy Venni outside the ground floor spaceNew tenants - Lee Dobbs & Billy Venni outside the ground floor space (Image: Essex & Suffolk Business Sales)

The Hensey family-owned and operated Cluetopia Escape Rooms, which has sites in Clacton, Harwich, Walton, and Ipswich, will move into the first and second floors of the building.

Glen Hensey said: “We’re about four months from opening, we’re aiming for October roughly, if all goes well.

“It’s quite a big space, so we’re going to aim for five different themed games.

“We’re really happy to be going there, it’s a town which has been overlooked by escape room companies, as far as I know.

Fantastic - Glen and Morgan Hensey from Cluetopia Escape Rooms outside Twyford House's other entranceFantastic - Glen and Morgan Hensey from Cluetopia Escape Rooms outside Twyford House's other entrance (Image: Essex & Suffolk Business Sales)

 “We’re going to bring some great games there, we will bring new games, we don’t just copy over our existing games at our other sites.”

Mr Meek said: “I am pleased to say the response for all properties was overwhelming and they could have been sold or let many times over.

“Lingard Fabrics vacated the property at the end of April and in just over a month we already have new tenants to avoid having another empty shop in our town centre."