POLICE have said that a fire that broke out at the Riverside Shopping Centre on Monday night (June 29) is being investigated as arson.
Officers were called to a fire at the empty centre on Bridge Street at around 9.05pm after reports of a fire.
“We can confirm it is being treated as arson” a spokesperson said.
Three fire engines were understood to have attended the blaze which took place at a rear entrance doorway off Bridge Street and not in the main part of the building.
The near-empty centre is owned by Wychavon District Council and subject to planning approval, demolition work is planned to begin in spring 2027.
Jayne Pickering, Wychavon’s deputy chief executive, said the council would now be reviewing security at the site.
“We are grateful to Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response to a fire in an entrance doorway at the Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham on Monday evening.
“The fire was quickly brought under control and damage was limited.
“While we will be reviewing the site’s security arrangements, this incident reinforces the importance of progressing the demolition of the shopping centre as quickly as possible so the site can be secured and the redevelopment can move forward.”
A major regeneration project will replace the centre, its car park and two with a mix of housing, retail and leisure units that will be designed to reconnect the town centre to Evesham’s historic assets, park and riverside setting.
