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Major Business Park Boost To Horsham Economy

Major Business Park Boost To Horsham Economy

7 January 2016 15:13 PM

West Sussex County Council is in advanced talks to buy the former Novartis medical research site off Wimblehurst Road Horsham with the aim of developing it into a leading European centre for the health and life sciences sector and creating up to 1000 jobs.

WSCC leader, Louise Goldsmith, said: “This is a really exciting prospect for the county. Our vision is to create a world-renowned centre of excellence building on the site’s respected history with Novartis.

"It will deliver a science and business park that will help stimulate further growth in the sector, provide high quality jobs for the county and provide support for small, innovative start-up businesses.

Subject to planning approval, two thirds of the 20-acre site will be transformed into the science park, with one third set aside for high quality housing to help offset the costs of the scheme.

Novartis UK boss Hugh O’Dowd said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that we are in detailed discussions with West Sussex County Council about purchasing our former Horsham site at Wimblehurst Road. We have agreed initial heads of terms and are now working on full contracts, with the aim of completing negotiations by early summer 2016. This is good news for Horsham and its residents as West Sussex County Council intends to bring high skilled jobs to the area, as well as develop some local housing. If the new campus becomes a health and life sciences hub for the region as West Sussex County Council intend, it will also help to realise our ambition of leaving a scientific legacy at the site.”

The council is now working with architects and planners on designing the right mix of research and laboratory space, office accommodation and start-up space to transform the site.

Under the agreement with Novartis, which vacated the site in 2014, all buildings on the site will be cleared except the locally important 1930s Art Deco building. That will be converted for residential use and the avenue of cedar trees leading to its door will also be protected. This work is expected to finish by spring/summer 2016, after which completion of the sale will take place

The health and life sciences sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the world as populations age and live longer and health services look to new ways to reduce spiralling medical costs.

Recent figures show that across West Sussex more than 11,000 people are already employed in this sector.

Picture © copyright N Chadwick: The entrance to the Novartis site.

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