THE AA will move from Fanum House, its headquarters for the past four decades on Basing View, to a new development nearby.

The multi-million-pound commitment with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council to move to the new Florence Building on Basing View, construction of which was started a few weeks ago by Abstract Securities, was agreed on Tuesday night at a Cabinet meeting.

The AA is expected to christen the building ‘New Fanum House’. Bob Mackenzie, AA executive chairman, said: “The present Fanum House has served the AA well but it’s time for us to move on.

“We have been looking for new premises in the area for some time and I’m glad that in the light of this new development we have reached agreement with Basingstoke borough council to remain on Basing View.

“This modern building will reflect our investment in new systems, as well as a highly skilled workforce who will continue to enjoy the town’s facilities and the good transport connections it offers.”

Approximately 700 staff currently work in Fanum House, which opened in 1973.

However, its current premises no longer provide the modern facilities required by the AA.

BDBC’s cabinet member for property and development councillor John Izett said: “This is a landmark success for the AA and Basingstoke and Deane.

“I am delighted that by agreeing to release the AA from its current lease with the borough we are enabling it stay on Basing View, safeguarding 700 high quality jobs.

“It vindicates this council’s decision to invest in extensive site work to prepare the land on which the AA’s new building will stand for the development of a state-of-the-art new HQ.”

As landowner of the town’s central business district, the council is following a regeneration programme for Basing View.

It has invested in preparing a site for redevelopment to take advantage of the demand for high quality new office space.

The council has granted a long lease on this land to Abstract Securities for the construction of the new ‘grade A’ 60,535 square foot office building, which will be completed in 2018.