The future of a well-known Basingstoke building is set to be considered by councillors as they review options for the long-term use of the site.
The landowner – Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – will be asked to consider proposals to demolish Fanum House, in Basing View, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 9 June.
The former headquarters for The AA has been empty since January 2026, and the council has been exploring options for the future of the site, including converting it into new homes and refurbishing the building for office use.
Built in the early seventies, the building is in poor condition and contains asbestos, meaning it is not cost effective to bring it up to current standards.
The proposal is therefore to demolish Fanum House to ensure the site can be brought back into use.
The council is currently searching for a partner to fast-track improvements in Basingstoke town centre and Basing View, as part of a new investment partnership. Fanum House is expected to be a priority site for the new partnership, once created, with the potential to deliver a mix of high-quality office space, educational facilities and new homes, subject to planning permission.
Comments
Cllr Gavin James, co-leader and cabinet member for finance and property, said: “Fanum House has been a part of Basingstoke’s skyline for years and many people across the borough will know it well and have fond memories of it. That is why decisions about sites like this are not taken lightly.
“The reality is the building is now in a very poor condition and the cost of maintaining it continues to rise. We have taken a look at a number of options but keeping it as it stands is simply not possible and would not be the best use of public money.
“Demolishing Fanum House could give us a real opportunity to think differently about how this important and central site can attract investment, support jobs and create something new that benefits residents and businesses while still finding ways to reflect and recognise its history.”
Demolition decision
If approved by Cabinet, further work would be undertaken to progress a planning application and a plan for demolition, engagement with partners and local businesses and consideration of how the history of the site can be recognised as part of future plans.
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