Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is in high-level talks with a university to potentially establish a higher education campus in either Basing View or the town centre.

The plans, which could significantly enhance the area’s educational and economic landscape, were revealed by a council officer during the first meeting of the council's newly-formed environment and infrastructure committee on Thursday, September 5.

The officer did not confirm the name of the university or the specific sites under consideration.

However, Fanum House in Basing View is believed to be one of the potential sites under consideration for the proposed campus.

READ MORE: Council prioritises attracting university to Basingstoke

While giving an update on the ongoing strategy for the town centre and the Basing View business district, the officer said that Fanum House is under review to determine the development potential when the AA vacates that site.

Fanum House has served as the headquarters for the AA for decades.

However, the company announced in December 2022 that the 47-year-old building no longer meets its needs for a modern workspace, forcing the council to put the property on the market.

The AA has since announced that it will shift its headquarters to The Plant in Basingstoke. 

Its lease on Fanum House runs until December 31, 2025, though it remains unclear whether the company will remain in the building until that time.

The strategic review for Basing View follows the dissolution of the Muse Joint Venture in 2022, which prompted the council to assess the development potential of remaining and soon-to-be-vacated plots in the area.

As the freeholder of Basing View, the officer said that the council is actively promoting and stimulating new investment, with the regeneration team also exploring "meanwhile uses" for vacant plots to increase footfall, activate unused spaces, and generate additional revenue.

One challenge identified in attracting new businesses to Basing View is the shortage of car parking, which has been a barrier to both new and existing businesses in the area.

SEE ALSO: The Bounty Inn in Basingstoke in British Pub Awards final

In response, the council has conducted a review of the remaining development plots to assess the feasibility of providing additional parking spaces.

This review has identified the potential for around 340 new spaces, which could be implemented either temporarily or through the construction of a multi-storey car park.

These additional spaces would be managed by the council’s parking services and are expected to generate significant revenue.