Novartis confirms plans to maintain presence in Horsham

Novartis has confirmed that it remains committed to maintaining and developing its operational presence at its UK site in Horsham.

The company informed the West Sussex County Times that planned downsizing in the area does not represent the first steps of a relocation away from Horsham, with its world-class respiratory research and associated development teams to remain at the location.

Under the firm's new plans, more than 12 acres of the Horsham campus will be sold off, while the retained facilities will benefit from a five million pound investment to ensure it meets the future needs of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research respiratory disease centre.

Ray Dawe, leader of Horsham District Council, said: "I can confirm that we are proactively working with the company's agents to liaise with prospective developers to ensure the best outcome for this important Horsham site."

Earlier this month, Novartis announced a new collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, which will focus on the development of new cancer therapies.