What’s New in Basingstoke: Business Buzz, Political Change – and Still No Town Centre Post Office
- Sherrie De Kiguchi
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Major Housing Investment Driving Local Growth
The Vistry Group is making strong progress on its Hounsome Fields development, located off Winchester Road. Of the 745 planned homes, 600 have already been built. Over £12 million is being invested into local infrastructure, including a new primary school set to open in September 2025, upgrades to the A30 corridor, and the provision of new sports pitches and community facilities.
High Street Hit by WHSmith Closure – and Still No Post Office
On 1st February 2025, WHSmith closed its long-standing branch in The Malls after more than 56 years of trading. The closure was attributed to the end of its lease and unsustainable trading conditions. This also meant the closure of the town centre’s only Post Office, which had been operating from within the store since 2019.
Despite the Post Office Ltd stating that “several retailers have expressed interest” in hosting a replacement, no new Post Office has opened in the town centre to date. The lack of a proper facility has caused concern among residents and businesses, with many calling for a dedicated, accessible Post Office rather than a temporary counter or limited service. As one resident put it in a recent letter to the Basingstoke Gazette:
“Basingstoke needs a decent Post Office—not the use of half a shop!”
Local Government Reforms and Devolution Plans
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is considering a unitary authority model, which would involve merging with Hart and Rushmoor to form a single council. A full proposal is expected by 26th September 2025, as part of the Government’s wider local government reorganisation strategy.
Meanwhile, Hampshire has been selected for fast-track inclusion in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme. If plans proceed, residents could be voting for a directly elected Combined Authority Mayor by spring 2026, giving the region greater autonomy over matters such as transport, education, housing, and healthcare.
Political Landscape Shifting
At a national level, Labour’s Luke Murphy won the Basingstoke parliamentary seat in the July 2024 General Election, defeating long-serving Conservative MP Maria Miller with a significant majority. Locally, the 2024 Borough Council elections saw the Conservative Party lose seven seats, with both Labour and the Liberal Democrats gaining ground. The result has left the council under no overall control, reflecting a more divided political landscape in the town.
Looking ahead, the upcoming local elections in May 2026 could prove pivotal—particularly for the town’s long-term housing strategy. With several opposition councillors and groups expressing concerns about overdevelopment, there are growing calls to review or oppose major new housing schemes. The outcome of the elections may significantly influence planning policy, development approvals, and the pace of local housebuilding.
Why It All Matters
From major residential investment and high street decline to evolving political control and missing core services, Basingstoke finds itself at a turning point. The continued absence of a Post Office in the town centre is more than just inconvenient—it symbolises the broader challenges facing the town’s infrastructure and identity. With critical decisions on housing, planning, and governance ahead, the voices of residents and businesses will be essential in shaping Basingstoke’s future.
