The hall, which was sold by The News’ former parent company JPIMedia to DMGT, the owner of the Daily Mail, in 2020, was closed last summer.
Before then it had printed not just The News but dozens of papers across the country, including many south-west publications. At times it held the contract to print The Sun and the Daily Mail for the south as well.
Photographer Annabelle Dryden-Smith took these shots of the print hall in 2019, showing the elaborate and intricate machinery used to get tens of thousands of newspapers away on deadline every day.
. The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea.
Picture: Annabelle Dryden-Smith (180919-4590)
The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea (180919-4590) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
. Intricate
The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea (180919-4671) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
. Hot off the press
(180919-4614) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
1. The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea.
Picture: Annabelle Dryden-Smith (180919-4590)
The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea (180919-4590) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
2. Intricate
The Press Hall at The News Centre, London Road, Hilsea (180919-4671) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
3. Hot off the press
(180919-4614) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith
4. Machinery
(180919-4603) Photo: Annabelle Dryden-Smith