Basingstoke: AA 'looking for new headquarters building'

The AA is reported to be searching for a headquarters building in the South East, including locations such as Reading and the M3 Corridor.

The AA, originally The Automobile Association, which has been one of Basingstoke's key employers for more than 40 years, has appointed Avison Young to review options for a 60,000 sq ft headquarters.

It is understood that options include a redevelopment of its long-term home in Fanum House where it occupies 150,000 sq ft. The group is understood to be looking to significantly scale back its headquarters occupation and modernise the space.

In September 2017 the group decided to stay put at Fanum House on the Basing View campus despite launching a requirement 12 months prior that was understood to be a response to the growing obsolescence of the offices.

In March 2016 Basingstoke and Deane Cabinet approved terms for the granting of a 999-year lease at the Basing View office campus site to Abstract Securities to enable the speculative development of a Grade A 60,000 sq ft office building, the Florence Building.

In April 2017, the AA was identified as an interested party and terms had been agreed for it to lease the entire building, but the deal never went ahead.

Source: CoStar