2005 Bucks Free Press makes the move

2:39pm Wednesday 18th January 2006

AN exciting new chapter in the history of the Bucks Free Press began in May 2005 after the paper moved from its old premises in Gomm Road to a new office in Station Road, Loudwater.

The purpose-built, three storey building is also be the new home of the Free Press sister papers Midweek, South Bucks Star, and the Hillingdon and Ealing Times.

More than 100 staff now work in the new office, which comes as a welcome change from the ageing building in Gomm Road.

The old building had a projected life of 50 years, and was coming to the end of its natural life. Staff had experienced problems with heating, blocked drains and a leaking roof in recent years.

The move is the fourth in the paper's 149-year history.

William Butler, a chemist, bookseller, stationer and publisher, set up The South Bucks Free Press in December, 1856, in Church Street, High Wycombe.

The first major move happened under Butler's son Thomas, who succeeded his father as editor, when the paper moved to Castle Street, the site of the current Castle Street office block.

AROUND THE SITE