A new immersive arts attraction is set to open in Middlesbrough’s former Marks and Spencer - and the site's new owner hopes it will attract more people to the town centre.

Happy Rooms is set to breathe new life into the former store with twelve artist designed rooms that promise to “bring joy to all who enter them.” 

The immersive walk through experience will “explore what it means to be and feel happy” and will invite visitors to “dance under the glow of a giant mirror ball, relax beneath the clouds and celebrate with a confetti fanfare.”

Created by Stellar Creates, organisers of Nightfall, Happy Rooms will be filled with activities, vibrant spaces, and thoughtful exhibitions. 

The former Marks and Spencer in Middlesbrough (Image: Google)

This is the first time visitors will be welcomed back into the former Marks and Spencer unit since its closure back in April 2023.

The chain - which was based at the Linthorpe Road unit for more than a century before bringing down the shutters - then later put the site up for sale. 

In April, it was confirmed that Linthorpe 54 Limited had acquired the building, with co-owner and businessman Nasser Din outlining plans to invest in the area. 

'Something different' for town

Speaking to The Northern Echo this week, Nasser said: "We are trying to make a really different experience for the general public and are hoping it's going to attract more people into the town. 

"We have been working alongside Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Middlesbrough Council and we are all in agreement that something different has to be looked at for the town centre.

"We have got to try and look at something different - and I am hoping that Middlesbrough becomes a more successful town than what it currently is.

"There are some exciting new developments happening in Middlesbrough and I'm hoping it'll be revived over the next three to five years."

Nasser said that the firm has been in discussions with various bodies in the cultural and arts sectors in recent months about the former Marks and Spencer, with hopes that there can be more events at the unit in the future such as exhibitions. 

He said that, if Happy Rooms proves a success, he is hoping that it will "attract more people to come into the town and set up permanently." 

 Happy Rooms will run from August 3 to September 22, opening Wednesday to Sunday each week. During September, it will be open to the public from Friday to Sunday with school groups invited from Monday to Thursday each week. 

Rachel Willis and Lyndsey Stephenson are directors of Teesside-based Stellar Creates. Rachel said: “We are so excited to bring Happy Rooms to Middlesbrough. 

“This continues our passion for bringing people together outside of traditional arts venues, transforming unused and forgotten buildings into temporary homes for artist designed spaces.”

Lyndsey added: “Happy Rooms delves into the essence of happiness. It will celebrate play, the great outdoors, colour, family, rest and relaxation. Everyone is invited to step into a world of joy and delight and let your imagination be ignited.”

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Happy Rooms will be open from 10am until 4pm (timed entry every 15 minutes with last entry at 3pm) and the experience lasts 60-90 minutes.

Quiet and relaxed slots will be at 10am and 10.15am daily. In addition to the rooms there will be creative activities, artist pop-ups and a Happy Tuck Shop. 

Tickets are £5 for children and £7 for adults and go on general sale on June 20.