BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council leader has declared the borough's commitment to attracting a university to the area.

Cllr Paul Harvey has highlighted the importance of 'providing greater access to higher level education within the borough itself', saying the council has a unique opportunity as a key landowner.

"Our residents deserve to have greater access to higher level education right here in Basingstoke," said Cllr Harvey.

"A university would not only allow people of all ages to develop their skills, but it would also create a thriving business and education community."

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The leader of Basingstoke & Deane Independent Group highlighted that while degree-level courses are already offered at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), the aspiration is to establish a formal university presence in Basingstoke.

This move, he believes, will empower residents of all ages to enhance their skills, while offering significant benefits to local businesses.

“With everything the borough has to offer, a university has the ability to be part of a thriving business and education community," Cllr Harvey said.

"Not only does it allow residents of all ages to develop their skills but it will also benefit businesses by having a wealth of talent on their doorstep to support their ambition to grow in the borough."

Highlighting the council's strategic position as a key landowner, Cllr Harvey added that the unique opportunity for collaboration with higher education providers in the south to drive this initiative forward.

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He expressed the council's readiness to work in partnership to make the vision of a university in Basingstoke a reality.

The previous council administration, led by Conservative leader Simon Minas-Bound, had proposed that Fanum House could be considered for a university when it was put on the market by the AA.

The property was marketed jointly by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, as the freehold owner of the site, and the AA, which still holds a long lease on the property.