Over the past few weeks, a huge operation has been under way to decant the DC Thomson publishing business from Kingsway to Meadowside.
Today we are delighted to report that nearly 600 staff are safely set up in our new home.
It’s fantastic to be back in the heart of Dundee where we belong, in the centre
of a city with such an exciting future.
The original opening of this building 111 years ago was a major vote of confidence in a flourishing business and a clear statement to the city that DC Thomson was here to stay in Dundee.
I think the same could be safely said on our return here today.
It’s a positive time for the city as we see the impressive V&A Museum of Design Dundee emerging on the waterfront, creating an international centre of design for Scotland.
Many creative and commercial opportunities are being developed in Dundee, such as the Dundee Design Festival in our former print works at West Ward.
We’re proud to be supporting many of these initiatives in one way or another.
It’s equally exciting to be connected once again to the city centre – to the shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses.
There’s a real buzz from staff members as being back in town makes meeting people much easier to do and makes us all feel more connected to the city.
DC Thomson has made a significant investment in the re-development and refurbishment project, working with Sir Robert McAlpine and local architects and trades, including McGill, The Lindsay Gray Alan Beaton Partnership and Nicoll Russell Studios.
Now that it is complete, the staff members who work in newspapers, magazines, digital media and across the DC Thomson group of companies are based in the renovated open-plan office spaces.
Our production and archives teams will remain at our Kingsway site and the future use of the remainder of the Kingsway building is still being investigated.
Newspaper production continues to be based at Kingsway, using the upgraded press, mailroom, computer-to-plate (CTP) equipment and technology that was installed in 2013.
A dedicated project team has overcome engineering challenges throughout our Meadowside transformation to maintain the listed building which has been completely renovated to provide a bright and flexible office environment.
It is a return to the HQ built for DC Thomson in the early 1900s – respecting our heritage but looking towards our future business in a dynamic way.
The investment in our headquarters will reinvigorate pride in our business in Dundee and will strengthen our commitment to the city and surrounding areas.
It’s great to be back and we’re proud to be playing our part in the resurgence of Dundee and its city centre.
