Work involves revamping empty 1930s art deco building in Horsham

Contractors have until 4 August to express interest in a 拢200m mixed-use project on a former pharmaceuticals site in Horsham.

West Sussex council is looking for a joint venture partner to help develop and build the scheme, which includes commercial buildings and up to 300 homes.

Novartis building

The scheme centres around a 1930s art deco building formerly used by pharmaceuticals firm Novartis

Up to five firms will be shortlisted for the project, which will include the refurbishment of a locally listed 1930s art deco style building formerly used as an office and R&D facility for Swiss pharmaceuticals firm Novartis.

In 2016 the council purchased the brownfield site, which has stood empty since 2014, for 拢16m with an intention to create a science park.

But those plans were swapped in favour of the mixed-use scheme, which received outline planning permission from Horsham district council in October last year.

Planning consultant Savills is already on the project team.

According to a contract notice, the JV would allow the contractor partner to start with the scheme鈥檚 residential element before moving on to the commercial phases 鈥渆ither speculatively or when suitable occupiers are secured鈥�.

Land receipts for the commercial units and land payments for the residential units would be received by the council, which would also have the option of acquiring at least one of the commercial units.

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