Horsham Novartis Site to be Replaced with Science Park and Homes
Luke Cloherty, Editor
West Sussex County Council has announced that a site left vacant by Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant Novartis is to become a science and business park, financed by a major housing development within the plot. Novartis closed its research plant last in 2015, causing a total loss of over 300 jobs. The council said it has closed a deal to buy the 19.6-acre former Novartis site in Horsham.
The business park for health and life sciences will bring up to 1,000 new jobs to the area, according to the council. The overall cost of the development is expected to be covered by housing built on 1/3 of the plot.
“Our vision is to create a world-renowned centre of excellence, building on the site’s respected history with Novartis,” said council leader Louise Goldsmith.
“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.”
Novartis said it expected to complete negotiations with the council for the sale by early summer.
“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,” said UK general manager Hugh O’Dowd.
January 12, 2016
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