View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
November 6, 2019updated 30 Sep 2022 8:32am

Archant sells Norwich home to local insurance firm but will remain in building

By Freddy Mayhew

Archant has sold its headquarters in Norwich to a local insurance company,  but will continue to remain in the building, it has confirmed.

The regional publisher will lease a floor at Prospect House from new owners Alan Boswell Insurance, which will take the other two.

News of the sale was first reported by the Eastern Daily Press, Archant’s flagship daily title, which is based in the building on Rouen Road.

Archant’s executive chairman Simon Bax told the paper: “We have always said our intention was to remain in the city centre within the heart of our communities and close to the amenities and transport links many of our staff depend on. This view was overwhelmingly supported by staff.”

It is understood the publisher’s signage will remain on the outside of the building and that no staff have been moved as a result of the sale.

The company has been based at Prospect House for almost 50 years. It first touted a move in 2017, saying the building was “too big” for its needs.

Archant made a pre-tax loss of £7.6m last year, according to filed accounts, with group revenue down 9.6 per cent to £87.3m for 2018.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

It shuttered its own printing presses in Thorpe, Norwich, in September, putting 96 jobs at risk of redundancy, as it outsourced the printing of all of its newspaper titles.

The same month Archant chief executive Jeff Henry stepped down after five years at the regional publisher.

Picture: Google Maps

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network