AA’s Basingstoke HQ set for sale

By Sam Pither

9 December 2022

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Image is of an AA van attending a breakdown

Fanum House in Basingstoke, home to the AA, is set to be put on the market after the motoring association decided it is not longer fit for its requirements.

The organisation will market the property, which it holds a long lease on, alongside the freeholder owner Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The AA has chosen to make the move as it feels Fanum House is unsuitable for the modern and sustainable offices it needs, having recently upgraded its technology to both better serve its customers and adopt a hybrid working model.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for finance and property Cllr John Izett said: “As freehold owner of Basing View, the borough council has been executing a long-term plan to modernise Basingstoke’s central business district. In view of the AA’s decision, we are keen to explore how Fanum House could be part of the continuing regeneration of the area.

“The AA is one of our major employers and a big part of Basingstoke’s history. We have been working with the company for some time to secure its future in the borough and it is great news that the AA has committed to staying here. We will continue to work with them on their plans to find a solution that works for both the company and the borough.”

As the councillor alludes to, the AA has said it is committed to remaining in the Basingstoke and Deane area but needs a new base following consultations with its employees. To gauge interest, the property will initially be placed on the market in January ahead of a final decision being made by both parties.

Jakob Pfaudler, AA chief executive, added: “We are at an exciting point in the AA’s history. Following extensive staff and business consultation, and looking at the future direction of the AA, including more flexible working, we concluded that Fanum House no longer fits our needs.

“By working closely with the council, we hope to be able to find a modern future home for the AA in Basingstoke.”

Featured image credit: The AA.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.