Archant London's newspaper The Docklands has undergone a content and design overhaul

Archant London has given its weekly newspaper The Docklands a complete content and design overhaul.

At the same time it is embracing modern ways of working with an innovative print and web content management system and reporters given the freedom to work on patch armed with laptops and mobiles.

The new look was unveiled at a launch event attended by more than 150 opinion formers, local business people and leading politicians, in Canary Wharf on Wednesday evening (February 2).

Feedback was very positive and Mayor of London Boris Johnson provided a good luck message via a video link.

Archant London editorial director Bob Crawley said: The Docklands was launched five years ago and, while successful, was in need of a design update and, more importantly, a content refresh to better reflect the vibrant community it serves.

It has been a very exciting project and great credit must go to group design editor Steve Bodycomb for coming up with a modern, easy-to-read newspaper that shows off content to its very best.

The Docklands editorial team, led by editor Malcolm Starbrook, has done a great job in creating an exciting mix of content.

The redesign and content refresh also includes updating of advertising platforms and a new classified section.

Ad manager Nick Sumner said: Advertisers really like the new approach and as a result the launch issue has been very well received with advertising revenues up significantly.

The launch issue included a two-page interview with Mayor Boris talking about his plans to get Docklands businesses working closer with the local communities to create more opportunities for all.

Archant group environment correspondent Tara Greaves provided a unique look at the sustainability legacy of the Olympic Park.The newspaper also included two pages of London-wide news that is of direct relevance to those living in the Docklands area.

Wapping cabbie Kavin Ashby, who spends two days a week ferrying patients to and from St Josephs Hospice, Hackney, was recognised as the papers first Londoner of the Week in a new series.

The Docklands editorial team have been equipped with laptops and mobile phones so that they can immerse themselves in the community and are less reliant of being office-based.

Malcolm Starbrook said: The changes have corresponded with the introduction of our new content management system which has also enabled us to get reporters working more on patch than ever before.

Our news conference structure is changing. The aim is to have some reporters in the office and others taking part via conference call from home or on location.

To view a gallery of pictures from the event, click on the link at the top-right of this page.