AN innovative enterprise centre, high-quality business space and new homes are key features in the evolving masterplan for the former Novartis site in Horsham.

Proposals have been updated following the first phase of public consultation in September when more than 150 people attended the first drop-in information event.

On Tuesday, more than 120 people attended a second event to see the latest proposals, including for road junctions and site access, walking and cycling routes, and a broad range of business uses.

Louise Goldsmith, county council leader, said: “These exciting proposals respect the past, by retaining key features, and look to the future with space for business innovation, family homes and a community hub.

“We believe they will benefit the existing community and attract new investment.

“In looking to the future, we also want to move away from calling this ‘the former Novartis site’, and have introduced the name, Horsham Enterprise Park, for the outline planning phase.”

Key features include:

• Up to 25,000 square metres of flexible employment space, including an innovation hub and business start-up facility

• A mix of up to 300 new homes, including family housing and new apartments, with existing central buildings retained and converted

• A café, potential crèche/nursery and convenience retail facility, which could be accessed by current and future local residents and businesses

• Retention of the locally listed, 1930s office building as a local landmark

• Improved pedestrian and cycle links at the site

• Retention of landscape features and new network of green space.