Marks and Spencer has sold its Lifestore in Gateshead to Danish furniture retailer Ilva.

The 70,000 sq ft store opened in February 2004 with the aim of breaking new ground in retailing.

However, the store’s ‘trendy’ concept, with relax and play departments and a complete house, failed to impress retailers.

The deal also includes M&S’s vacant site in Lakeside, Essex.