AN ICONIC Evesham landmark is set to return to local control for the first time in decades under a deal proposed between Wychavon District and Evesham Town Councils.
Evesham Town Hall, currently owned by Henley-based PJK Investments under a long lease arrangement since 2017, is set to transfer to Wychavon as part of the deal to buy the Riverside Shopping Centre portfolio.
Once the sale has completed, Wychavon proposes to hand over the Grade II listed building to the town council, which bought the freehold to the property from Wychavon in 1995.
The agreement would see Evesham Town Council (ETC) take full ownership of the building which requires urgent repairs, and space below currently occupied by The Valkyrie Bar.
At a special meeting on January 26, town councillors voted to accept Wychavon’s offer and put £130K towards remedial work.
The historic building which has stood at Market Square for more than 400 years has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair which is affecting the fabric of the structure and limiting its commercial appeal as a venue for hire.
Ongoing issues with rotting roof timbers resulting in water seepage into internal rooms and damage to the clock tower resulted in ETC taking legal action against PJK Investments last year for failures to undertake essential maintenance to the building’s exterior.
Frustratingly, the Section 146 Notice for breach of its lease conditions had a very limited effect. The Observer understands that the hall requires £300,700 of repairs in the next 24 months (£51,700 on urgent works) with a further £579,000 to replace the roof further down the line.
The significant cost implications of taking on the listed building has not deterred the mayor of Evesham, Councillor John Clatworthy.
“The town hall is a vital building for Evesham, and we believe decisions about its future are best made locally.
“Thanks to Wychavon’s offer, we have an opportunity to take back control of the destiny of one of the most important civic and heritage buildings in the town.
“We understand the sale of the Riverside Shopping Centre must be completed first, but we are eager to start discussions soon after that so we can get on with making the urgent repairs needed to safeguard the building’s long-term future,” he said.
The building was previously owned by Evesham Borough Council until it was transferred to Wychavon in 1974 as part of local government reorganisation.
The long-lease arrangement on the property was sold to a commercial investor in 1989, in a move that was typical of the time when councils were encouraged to sell off assets to the private sector.
Deputy leader of Wychavon District Council, Emma Kearsey, added: “Evesham town hall is not just a building but a symbol of the town’s civic pride, heritage and community life.
“Gifting it back is our way of leaving a lasting legacy for the town by returning the building to the community in which it stands, who will care for it properly for generations to come.”
