A POPULAR soft play centre has closed for refurbishment as it becomes part of a nationwide company.

The Fun Factory, on Purdy’s Way, Rochford, has been taken over by Monkey Bizness, which runs soft play areas across the country.

The site has closed until Saturday so the new owners can undertake minor refurbishments, although none of the equipment will be changing.

The Fun Factory confirmed that any pre-booked parties will be honoured, and yearly memberships still stands.

The soft play centre is hugely popular, and has been in place for six years, so parents were relieved to hear there are no permanent closure plans.

Lisa Scott, 46, of Rochford, said: “When I first heard the news I thought they were closing completely, which was devastating, I have been taking my two daughters there for the last few years and they love it.

“It’s great it is just being taken over and is becoming part of this national company, hopefully it means the site will get even better.”

A spokesman for Fun Factory said: “We would like to advise all our customers that the Fun Factory has been taken over by Monkey Bizness as of February 21 2018. The centre will be closed for a few days for refurbishment before the official reopening on February 24 2018. Please be aware that all party booking and yearly members are unaffected and will be honoured. Thanks all of our customers and staff for their support.”