The building which housed a landmark Marks and Spencer store for more than a century has been acquired.

Middlesbrough Council confirmed the acquisition of the Hill Street shop on Linthorpe Road, which had served as the home of M&S for 122 years, by a new owner.

The store had closed its doors for the final time back in April last year to the dismay of residents.

A council spokesman said they are not aware of the specific plans for the new store, but will support any proposals which could help the town centre.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “We are aware that the former Marks & Spencer building on Linthorpe Road has been acquired by a new owner.

“At this stage we are not aware of any specific plans for development by the new ownership but we would support any proposals which aid the transformation and diversification of Middlesbrough’s town centre economy.”

The store has been described to prospective buyers "versatile," with "high passing trade" and "great frontage."

Other nearby retailers include Primark, Next, Boots, Superdrug, and Boyes.

Speaking in January 2023 on the decision, M&S Regional Manager Craig Baldock said: “This has been a tough decision but means we can invest in many of our twenty-one other stores in the North East including M&S Teesside, so we keep pace with the demands of our customers today and in the future.

“Our priority now is to talk to our colleagues about what this announcement means for them and to support them through these changes.”

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Speaking on the store's closure last year, Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: "The announcement that Marks and Spencer is to close its Middlesbrough store is a devastating blow.

“The flagship store has been part of Middlesbrough for more than 100 years and is a vital and much-loved part of our retail offer.

“To lose jobs is truly awful for all the employees affected and to hear this news after Marks and Spencer recorded a successful Christmas trading period is particularly hard to understand."