IT is a "fantastic idea" to consider the idea that AA's headquarters in Basing View could be an ideal place for a university, councillors have 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: Hampshire Hospitals declare critical incident

The leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound has expressed to the Gazette that it would be an ideal place for a university.

The idea has been welcomed by borough councillors who say a university would benefit the town.

The leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independent group Cllr Paul Harvey, said: “It has been a long-term ambition for a university to be built in Basingstoke. Many council leaders have called for just that, so it is a great idea.”

He went on to say that the town already has Basingstoke College of Technology which already offers higher education with links to universities with principal Anthony Bravo doing “an excellent job” which is something we should “celebrate”.

He told the Gazette that plans for the building should not be rushed and should be well thought out.

The leader of the Labour group Cllr Andrew McCormick group also took a similar view and said that a university would bring many benefits to the town.

He added: “Basing View would be a great place for a university because it is close to the train station so in principle I am not opposed to the idea.

“It would bring professional jobs that would require high-level qualifications and that would be a real chance for Basingstoke to grow so I don’t think it is a bad idea."

READ MORE: The Bell: Historic pub saved from being turned into housing

The leader of the Liberal Democrat group Cllr Gavin James also welcomed the idea of the university.

He said: “I think it would be a fantastic idea, but I think it seems very unrealistic bearing in mind that most universities are struggling financially."

Cllr James continued: “Basing View would be a great location for a university because it has close transport links and is close to the town centre.”

He said he “would not have a problem” with the idea that a new university could bring more homes but said the idea would have to be put to the public.

He added: “I do think we need to slow down and see if it is actually possible.”