A LANDMARK deal to transform the heart of Evesham Town Centre through the regeneration of the Riverside Shopping Centre has been secured.
Wychavon District Council announced today (March 24) it has bought the site as part of a multi-million-pound deal – supported by a £4.5million grant from Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.
The aim is to develop the site in a way that reconnects the town centre to Evesham’s key areas, including the historic Bell Tower and Abbey Park.
Coun Richard Morris and Coun Emma Kearsey inside the centre. s
A mixed-use scheme is proposed, which would include high-quality homes alongside leisure and retail units.
The appearance of Market Square and Bridge Street will also be upgraded.
The first step will be to demolish the existing building and clear the site, with a demolition application set to be submitted in May.
If approved in the summer, demolition could begin as early as 2027.
The interior of Riverside Shopping Centre. s
The future regeneration of the site could be delivered by the authority working with a development partner, or by selling the site to a developer with conditions attached to deliver the council’s vision.
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to an information and engagement event at Evesham Town Hall on Thursday, 16 April between 4pm and 7pm.
The drop-in event will include more details on the regeneration timeline, an opportunity to ask questions and a chance to contribute to design themes for the hoarding that will surround the site during construction.
Existing businesses will be given notice to leave the centre and the building will remain open while this process is completed, which could take several months.
Plans are also being put in place to improve the cleaning of the building in the meantime.
The interior of Riverside Shopping Centre. s
Coun Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon, said: “This is a landmark moment for Evesham and a major step forward in delivering the promise set out in our We Are Wychavon Plan.
“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.”
Coun Emma Kearsey, executive board member for planning, infrastructure and urban design, added: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the heart of Evesham town centre and bring the pride back to the jewel in our town, by unlocking the site’s full potential.
“By delivering bold regeneration with an impact far beyond just the Riverside site, we can bring new leisure, new retail, new homes and importantly, renewed confidence and further investment to the heart of Evesham.”
The long-anticipated deal puts an end to a chapter of significant public disquiet about the state of the centre – a near derelict site of some 40 empty retail units described as ‘Britain’s saddest shopping centre’ by a national newspaper last December.
The centre, which has been in the private ownership of Jimmy Kelly of Henley-based PJK Investments, serves as a cut through from Bridge Street to Market Square and has been plagued with pigeons, bird mess and the smell of urine.
Interior of Riverside Shopping Centre. s
Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding for Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we’re here to support partners in the public and private sector to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure or land projects face delivery challenges.
“The regeneration of the Riverside Shopping Centre is a clear example of this progress. Support from Homes England, through the Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund, will enable Wychavon District Council to deliver much‑needed homes and help create a vibrant new community in Evesham.”
As part of the deal, Wychavon 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.
Wychavon has also acquired other properties in Market Square and Bridge Street, including Marilyn’s Nightclub. These businesses will have their tenancies honoured and will continue to trade.
