A regional daily set to move from its Victorian town centre office has revealed the location of its new HQ.

HTFP reported last week that the Swindon Advertiser was preparing to leave its Victoria Road premises, where the newspaper has been based since the 1870s, while firefighters have recently used empty floors to conduct training exercises.

Now the Advertiser has revealed it will be moving to Richmond House, on the outskirts of Swindon, in mid-April.

Meanwhile, a planning application has been submitted to Swindon Borough Council by developers with the aim of refurbishing the Grade II listed Victoria Road building to house modern offices.

Richmond House, where the Advertiser will be based from next month

Editor Pete Gavan moved to assure readers that the Advertiser will remain “committed to serving the town” after moving to Richmond House, which is on the Edison Office Park in the Dorcan area of Swindon.

The distance between Victoria Road and Richmond House is around two-and-a-half miles.

Said Pete: “While there’s some sadness at leaving what’s been our base since the 1870s, it’s a great opportunity for a fresh start.

“We’re moving into a purpose-built office in Swindon that will be light and airy and fit for purpose for a 21st century news operation. It’s incredibly important for us to maintain our presence at the heart of the community we serve.”

Chris Moore, Newsquest’s managing director of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, added: “We have had many happy years in Victoria Road and it is with a degree of sadness that we leave this grand old building. However, we are delighted to be staying in Swindon to serve the community.

“We are very excited to see staff move into an office which will serve us well for the future.”