Council's purchase of shopping centre secured

The purchase of a shopping centre in Evesham has been secured by the council as part of wider regeneration plans.

Riverside Shopping Centre will be demolished and rebuilt as a mixed-use development featuring residential, leisure and retail spaces.

Existing businesses will be given notice to leave and the building will remain open while the process takes place, said Wychavon District Council

A drop-in session to provide information to residents and businesses will take place on Thursday between 16:00 and 19:00 GMT at Evesham Town Hall.

Plans include developing the site to reconnect the town centre to the Bell Tower and Abbey Park. The appearance of Market Square and Bridge Street will also be upgraded, the authority said.

A demolition application for the shopping centre is set to be submitted in May. If approved in the summer, demolition could begin as early as 2027, it added.

The regeneration of the site could be delivered by the council working with a development partner, or by selling the site to a developer with conditions attached to deliver the council's vision.

Council leader Richard Morris said it was a "landmark" moment for the town.

He added: "Working in partnership with Homes England, we have an exciting opportunity to shape the heart of the town centre in a way that builds on everything that already makes Evesham a great place to live, work and visit, ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations."

As part of the deal, the council has also taken ownership of the lease on Evesham Town Hall, which will be transferred to Evesham Town Council, giving them full control of the building, including the unit below.

The deal also includes units in Market Square, except for The Roundhouse, which is owned by NatWest, and units on Bridge Street, including Marilyn's Nightclub.

Wychavon District Council previously said the businesses in Market Square would be allowed to continue trading and it would honour all existing tenancies.

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