Construction

Dorset Biz News is now part of Insider Media!

From now on, all content produced by Dorset Biz News journalists will feature in Insider magazine and on the Insider website - bringing you even more in-depth business news, exclusive insights, and key regional deals.

What is Insider Media?

Insider is the UK’s biggest regional B2B publisher, delivering breaking business news, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews across key industries.

With a national reach and deep regional focus, Insider connects businesses, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs with the latest opportunities and insights.

Looking for the latest business news from Insider’s south west team? CLOSE
 

Going, going, gone: End of an era as magazine print site is auctioned with £3.25m guide price

The 4.5 acre former Southernprint site on the Upton Industrial Estate, ringed in orange.

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: September 18, 2020 | Updated: 27th October 2023

A 4.5 acre site which once printed some of the nation’s favourite magazines is to be sold at auction this month with a guide price of £3.25m.

Units 17, 19 and 21 on the Upton Industrial Estate were the home of Southernprint until the end of last year when it closed with the loss of 179 jobs.

The three substantial industrial units comprise nearly 115,000 sq ft of space with adjoining office accommodation.

They are being sold freehold at the Acuitus auction on September 23 with vacant possession and the potential for refurbishment or redevelopment.

Peter Mayo, Investment Director and Auctioneer, pictured left, said: “This property benefits from its location near to the A35 dual carriageway.

“It will be of particular interest to investors and developers who are looking to capitalise on the rising demand for industrial space or who may want to explore the potential for redevelopment into alternative uses such as residential.”

Upton was Southernprint’s base for more than 20 years after the company moved from its original site in Branksome.

Hundreds of millions of magazines rolled off the presses for some of the UK’s biggest publishers, ranging from women’s magazines through to specialist children’s titles.

In its heyday more than 300 people worked for the company including generations of the same family.

One of its claims to fame was the printing of the nationwide classified advertising magazine Exchange & Mart for 56 years from 1944 to 2000.

The weekly had 250 pages, including a 150pp motoring supplement, at its height and a circulation of more than 2m.

At the time, it was believed to be the longest-running print contract held by a UK printer.

Parent company Walstead acquired Southernprint from Newsquest Media Group, publisher of the Bournemouth Daily Echo and the Dorset Echo, in July 2009.

Last November Walstead announced the closure of the web offset site, blaming declining magazine volumes.

In a letter to staff Paul Toms, Southernprint’s Managing Director, said the previous 12 months had been ‘a rollercoaster’ for the business.

He added: “There is one common factor now that continues apace in the wider market, and that is the unwavering demise of UK publishing titles.”

All the presses and binders have now been dismantled and removed from the units.

Bids for the properties can be submitted online, by telephone or by submitting a written bid prior to the live streamed auction.

More details can be found here.

Latest Posts

Lofty ambitions for Weymouth roofing specialists Tek Clad as they invest £340k in new machines

Collaboration in Christchurch as Polyhose officially opens new warehouse built by Mar-Key Group

‘Proud moment’ for AJC Group who partner with VIVID to build 27 affordable New Forest homes

Whitefox backs Bournemouth Rugby and rising star Ben Meaden in their promotion push

AJC Group delivers 100 affordable homes in record-breaking year – on course for ‘500 in 5’ target

All Construction Stories »

Latest Posts

Saffery Senior Manager Matt Trowbridge looks at business exit planning and we meet Audit Assistant Elisa Cordial

Skyborne to launch second UK pilot academy in Bournemouth after flyaway success in Gloucs

Podcast which has hosted football royalty and SAS legend finds new home at Smartbase

Business mentor Erin to host 7th annual event backing women entrepreneurs in Bournemouth

Biz Roundtable: Dorset business community must champion county’s economic strengths

All Latest News »