AddThis SmartLayers

Regional daily to move out of 106-year-old headquarters

A regional daily is moving out of its headquarters of 106 years – but says it will hold talks with the building’s owner about returning there in future.

The Northern Echo has announced it is moving out of Priestgate, where it has been based since 1917, while Darlington Borough Council undertakes a refurbishment of the site.

From the end of this month, the Echo will be based around an eight-minute walk away at Coniscliffe House, on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington.

The council took over the running of Priestgate last year and has recently held a public consultation into the future of the building’s upper three floors, while the ground floor is set to be converted into an adult learning centre.

Coniscliffe House

Coniscliffe House

It was reported at the time of the council’s purchase that the Echo’s future at the premises had been secured, with it remaining there as an “anchor tenant”.

It is understood that the paper hopes to return to Priestgate once the refurbishment work is completed.

David Coates, regional managing director for Echo owner Newsquest, said: “The Echo has left Priestgate so the building’s new owners, Darlington Borough Council, can press on with its vital redevelopment plans – but we will certainly be talking to them again about a permanent home when that work is finished.

“It’s another exciting phase for The Northern Echo and I am pleased we are able to offer our staff such superb offices so that we can all continue to support the town and its people and work with outstanding North East businesses.”

The Echo’s last day at Priestgate will be 27 January and it hopes to move staff into Consicliffe House within a few weeks.

Editor Gavin Foster said: “Darlington has evolved so much since The Echo was launched more than 150 years ago, but through all that time we have stayed loyal to the town, fighting for its people and that will never change.

“Coniscliffe House looks amazing and will be such a great place for our staff to work from.

“Nothing else changes, same Echo online and in print, same principles, same people, just a different address.”