Horsham Enterprise Park: Business economy boost as development partner is appointed

The local economy has received a major boost with the appointment of a development partner for a high-quality commercial space in Horsham. Plans are now underway to transform Horsham Enterprise Park to meet future business demand.

As part of their long-standing commitment to this development, West Sussex County Council has appointed national urban regeneration specialist, Muse Developments, to lead the works to develop the site. Muse is one of the leading names in bringing new life to town and city centres, through its unique brand of high-quality, mixed-use development delivered through long-term partnerships.

Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Economy and Corporate Resources, said: “By bringing in a key development partner, the message is clear that we as a county are focused on economic recovery and growth, supporting residents, businesses and encouraging future investment. This supports our Economy Reset Plan to help support and boost economic recovery in response to the pandemic.”

Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This is an exciting milestone in making our vision for Horsham Enterprise Park a reality. Muse has more than 30 years’ experience in developing mixed-use schemes across the UK and importantly, they have a strong focus on delivering sustainable projects, which will be evident in the plans for Horsham Enterprise Park.

“It’s clear that Muse share our vision for the design of flexible and modern workspaces to support local businesses as part of a mixed-use community incorporating a range of high-quality homes. We’re looking forward to working with them to deliver our ambitions for Horsham Enterprise Park.”

Duncan Cumberland, Development Director at Muse Developments, said: “To receive the news that our submission to West Sussex County Council to deliver the Horsham Enterprise Park had been successful, is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the bid process. This is an exciting opportunity to create a thriving, sustainable place and we’re proud to have been selected.

“We’re looking forward to building on the excellent work undertaken to date by West Sussex County Council and working with them and the community to strengthen our relationship and bring forward a masterplan to drive inward investment, opportunities for all and community wealth to leave a long-lasting, positive legacy.”

As part of the development, Muse will engage with Oxford Innovation to deliver an Enterprise Hub. This will encourage new business and economic activity, with a focus on start-ups, micro and small businesses. The Enterprise Hub will support new small business growth in and around the Horsham area.

Other key features planned for the site include:

• A series of new ‘character areas’ forming a network of safe pedestrian and cycling routes that connect the site with the surrounding areas of Horsham.
• Innovative, sustainable landscape that minimises the impact of cars. 
• Celebrating the iconic 1930s Art Deco central building and the grand avenue of Blue Cedar trees and giving them a central role in the development.
• Good architecture and high-quality public realm to generate civic pride and support a thriving community, in turn generating lasting economic and social value.