A regional daily’s new dockside office has officially been opened – with Nortthern Ireland’s First Minister doing the honours.

Staff at the Belfast Telegraph have moved into their new headquarters on the city’s Clarendon Dock, on the bank of the River Lagan.

As reported on HTFP in August last year, Bel Tel owner Independent News and Media announced its Royal Avenue home of 130 years would close following the closure of its print plant, with the loss of 89 printing jobs.

The new office was officially opened by Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Arlene Foster, in a ceremony on Thursday.

The new Belfast Telegraph newsroom

She said: “I am proud to be able to help celebrate this momentous occasion marking 146 years ago to the day since the first ‘Tele’ was sold from news stands on the streets of Belfast.

“Independent News & Media Ltd is now at the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While the move from the iconic Royal Avenue building is of course tinged with sadness, there can be no doubt that following significant investment, this new integrated print and digital base puts the company at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the delivery of news.”

Other news titles to be based in the building include Sunday Life and Sunday World’s Northern Ireland edition.

Around 150 employees will be housed there in total.

Richard McClean, INM managing director, said: “Whilst the world of publishing has changed unrecognisably since 1870, the delivery of breaking news, analysis and unrivalled content remains at the core of our business albeit now across the multi platforms of print, digital and mobile.

“This relocation, combined with the recent restructuring of our commercial function, a redesigned newsroom in line with international best practice and significant investment in technology and training, further positions INM Ltd at the forefront of publishing excellence.”