Former Novartis site to be developed into science park
pharmafile | January 12, 2016 | News story | Manufacturing and Production | Employment, Jobs, Life science, Novartis, West Sussex, science park
Work has begun to transform a 20-acre site that formerly housed Novartis, in West Sussex, into a world renowned centre for cutting-edge health and life science companies.
West Sussex County Council has agreed to purchase the 19.6 acre Horsham site that used to be home to Novartis, subject to contract. It now plans to transform the site, which closed in 2014, into a new science park that will host leading firms in life-saving research work and the development of innovative technology.
The development will be a major boost for the local economy, and is set to bring up to 1,000 jobs to the county. It puts West Sussex on track to compete with other sites in the UK to be the leading European centre for the health and life sciences sector.
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, says: “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.
“The site has a rich legacy dating back to the 1930s. By purchasing the site the County Council can retain and build on that legacy.”
Subject to planning approval, two thirds of the Wimblehurst Road site will be transformed into a science park, while one third will be set aside for high quality housing – helping the council cover the costs of its investment and securing a great deal for the taxpayer. West Sussex is already home to more than 90 companies working in the life sciences, and over 11,000 people already employed in the sector.
Hugh O’Dowd, president and general manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland at Novartis, says: “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 County 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 the locally important 1930s art deco building. This work is expected to be complete by spring/summer 2016.
Horsham District Council Leader Ray Dawe says: “The plan to develop a health and life sciences business park in order to protect employment and improve economic growth, alongside some residential development, is important for the district and is also a fitting legacy for one of the largest healthcare groups in the world.
“There will be a number of planning and contractual procedures that West Sussex will need to follow and we will work closely with them to support their vision while protecting the Art Deco former HQ building and its setting.”
Lilian Anekwe
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