THE AA's current headquarters in Basing View would be an ideal place for a university, the leader of the borough council has said.

As previously reported, Fanum House is to be put on the market after the AA has decided the 47-year-old building no longer meets its needs for a modern work environment.

The property will be 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.

Due to its age, Fanum House no longer provides the modern and sustainable offices that the AA needs, especially as the company has upgraded technology to meet the demands of its customers in the digital age and has adopted a hybrid home-office working model.

SEE ALSO: Fanum House, home to AA's headquarters, to be put on sale

Cllr Simon Bound, the leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BCBC) has expressed to the Gazette what he would like to see happen to the building next

He said: "People who have been watching the current AA site at Basing View must have seen the comments from my colleagues at the council and wondered what is the plan. 

"It is my view that the Fanum House site would be the ideal location for a satellite campus for a major university. The site is in the heart of the business community and is perfect for a discrete separate site of learning whilst enjoying opportunities for socialising, great transport connections, shopping and leisure opportunities and really great access to green space both close by and within easy reach of walking and cycling. 

"The senior team are working with our partners to promote the site for this purpose and has already had feedback that it does provide a unique and significant opportunity. We will be working hard to make the most of this opportunity."

He also said he is happy that the AA wants to stay in town.

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He added: "I hope they will find a new home in one of the many refurbished or potentially new office buildings that are nearby. 

"What many may not realise is the opportunity of the AA leaving the Fanum House site provides the town. In the new council plan that has recently been out for consultation, we make it clear that we are focussed on bringing a University Campus to the town. "

"Following an in-depth consultation with its staff to understand their needs, the company is keen to find a new home which reflects the modern and flexible requirements of its employees but is committed to staying in the Basingstoke and Deane borough."

The building will be marketed in January 2023 to gauge interest from the property market before a final decision is made by the council and the AA.