Plans for a new retail park in Horsham have been put forward by West Sussex County Council. Plans for the new retail park show it will feature a discount food store, a DIY shop and garden centre, a drive through take-away restaurant, and a coffee shop.
The new shopping centre is proposed on the site of the former Broadbridge Heath highways depot which the council declared surplus to requirements in 2018.
The County Council is proposing to invest £15.47m from its capital programme to regenerate the site and construct the retail units. A new roundabout is also proposed to provide access to the site.
Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for finance, said: “This is an exciting scheme which will not only make use of underutilised county council land, but will also support economic recovery and regeneration as part of our economy reset plan.
“Market research has indicated that the site is an ideal location for a retail park. As well as benefiting the community, the scheme will also provide around 135 new jobs as well as generate a significant revenue return on investment for the county council for many years to come.”
Four retailers have already been identified and have confirmed their intention to commit to long-term leases on the site, the council confirmed. A spokesman said: “It’s hoped the retail park could be up and running by 2023/24, subject to planning permissions.”
