Imperial Express is completely ripped out ahead of 'refurbishment'

The building that was home to the Imperial Express takeaway on Victoria Road near Regent Circus now currently sits bare and empty after the eatery's signage was recently taken down. 

The business still appears to be operating as the website is still working, and customers can still place orders for home delivery.

But when you try to place an order for collection from the store itself, it brings up a message that says: "Sorry, collection is currently unavailable in our Swindon branch."

It's not known exactly what is happening with the building, but a member of staff who answered the phone said that the building was "being refurbished".

Imperial Express before all of the branding and signage was removed (Image: Google Maps)

The Food Standards Agency page for Imperial Express has been removed, which usually means that the business has ceased trading permanently or has changed hands.

Prior to its closure, the previous establishment was one of a handful in Swindon to receive a zero-star food hygiene rating following an inspection last year. 

It was visited on February 17 and the results released in March showed that major improvement was needed across the board.

It was reinspected in May of the same year and was upgraded to four stars, and then was further reinspected in August where it was eventually given a five-star rating.