A major department store will open in Middlesbrough later this month, bringing new life to a prominent high street building.
The Ideal Home Store will open its doors at 25 Linthorpe Road for the first time on Friday, August 28, occupying the former Marks & Spencer site in Middlesbrough town centre.
M&S closed the 80,000-square-foot store more than a year ago, leaving many residents disappointed to lose what had long been considered one of the town centre's anchor stores.
The Ideal Home Store - which was confirmed as the building's new tenant in June - will offer a mix of fashion, beauty, homeware and furniture, alongside a café serving coffees, teas, sandwiches and pastries.
It will stock products from more than 200 brands and feature partnerships with over 50 local artisan businesses.
The Ideal Home store will feature over 200 brands.
(Image: Ideal Home Store)
Andy Preston, former mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "Like so many, I grew up with it and always saw it as one of the anchors of our town centre.
"That's why I'm delighted to see this iconic building getting a new lease of life.
"The arrival of Ideal Home Department Store is a real vote of confidence in our town centre.
"New businesses mean jobs, shoppers and renewed energy in Middlesbrough."
Ideal Homes says it will offer "a fresh outlook on the high street," and aims to combine well-known UK and European brands with independent traders and locally-made products.
The Ideal Home store will include a cafe serving hot drinks, sandwiches and pastries.
(Image: Ideal Home Store)
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from residents, particularly those who have missed having a department store in the town centre and hope more independent companies revive high street shopping.
One Facebook user said: "Great news. A department store, fantastic.
"Really missed a department store, looking forward to shopping in there and not online."
Another commented: "I really hope this sees a change. I'm sure everyone misses the high street.
"Online shopping isn't all that it's cracked up to be and it would be nice to see town centres return again."
One other said: "I’m so pleased about this bit of good news...at last!"
Another wrote: "Great news. A dept store how fantastic. Really miss a dept store. Look forward to shopping in there and not online."
Former M&S building on Linthorpe road which will soon be occupied by the Ideal Home Store.
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
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However, some said that despite the positive arrival of a new store, locals will still miss Marks & Spencer - particularly for the food.
One commenter wrote: "Still would be good if we could have an M&S Foodhall in the town centre."
Another added: "Hope it’s successful. I agree an M&S Foodhall, even if it’s small, would be great and another big positive for the town."
"Bring back Marks & Spencer Foodhall," said another.
The wait is almost over for the store's new look as Ideal Home Store will welcome its first customers in just over two weeks.