West Sussex County Council agrees to purchase former Novartis site in Horsham

Published: 7-Jan-2016

Plans to turn two-thirds of the site into a new science park

West Sussex County Council in the UK has announced plans to turn a former Novartis site into a 'world-renowned' science park.

The Council has agreed to purchase the 19.6 acre site on Wimblehurst Road, Horsham and plans to turn two-thirds into a new science park that aims to become a leading research and development centre for the health and life sciences sector. High-quality housing will be built on the remaining one-third of the site.

The development could create up to 1,000 jobs in Horsham, the Council said.

No financial details have been revealed.

Swiss pharmaceutical firm Novartis ceased operations in Horsham in June 2014 and has been exploring options to secure a science and medical legacy at the site.

West Sussex is already home to more than 90 companies employing more than 11,000 people working in this sector and the new science park hopes to attract more companies to the county, as well as start-ups.

West Sussex County Council intends to bring high skilled jobs to the area

Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said developing the site fits the Council's vision of creating a world-renowned centre of excellence building on the site’s history with Novartis.

Hugh O’Dowd, Country President & General Manager, UK & Ireland Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: '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, all buildings on the site will be cleared except for a 1930s Art Deco building, which 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 be complete by this spring/summer.

News of the deal has been welcomed by businesses across the county.

Mike Hannay, Vice President and General Manager of Horsham-based Fisher Clinical Services UK, said: 'This is fantastic news for Horsham and West Sussex, building as it does on the scientific heritage of our area. The new Science and Business Park is an important step in enhancing our county’s role in the development of innovative new medicines and healthcare technologies.'

West Sussex County Council is also working with business leaders, universities, colleges and schools to ensure the right skills are being developed locally to meet the needs of this booming sector.

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