THE Argus today announces it has secured new premises and will move back into Brighton city centre after 23 years.

Sussex’s daily newspaper is to move into first floor offices of Dolphin House in Manchester Street.

All editorial, advertising and newspaper sales staff will make the move in June. The newspaper’s existing building, Argus House in Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, has been sold to developer Hanbury Properties.

The Argus moved from its offices in North Road, Brighton, to Hollingbury in 1993 following the installation of new presses on the old KTM factory site in 1992. The paper had gone completely electronic in July 1987 but the new computerised presses meant it was able to print in full colour for the first time. The former North Road site was eventually used for housing but still bears a link to the past with the name Argus Lofts.

Today managing director of Newsquest Sussex Dawn Sweeney said: “I am delighted we are moving back into the centre of the city. Our commitment to producing first-class journalism and commercial platforms that have the community at their heart can only be enhanced by this move.

“The premises allow us to shape our business as we continue evolving into a multi-media enterprise with an ever-growing audience.”

Argus editor Mike Gilson said: “While Hollingbury holds so much history for us, times move on and the new Manchester Street office will give our journalists much easier access to the people they need to hold to account and the events and happenings experienced by thousands of our readers. Our reporters will be much more visible as they go about their business.

“At a time when many newspapers are moving out of town, this return is a show of faith about the future direction of our business and our commitment to the wonderful place we serve.”