AN APPLICATION has been submitted to demolish the Riverside Shopping Centre as part of the first phase of regenerating the site.
Wychavon is proposing to clear away the 1980s centre, along with the multi-storey car park, to create a site ready for redevelopment into a mixed-use residential, retail and leisure scheme.
Evesham Public Hall will remain and be refurbished as part of the wider regeneration project.
Listed buildings and other heritage assets will be protected. The scheduled ancient monument underneath the Riverside will not be disturbed as part of the work.
Home Bargains and a telecommunications company operating a mast on top of the centre have been given notice to leave.
Relocation support is being offered to community organisations still operating within the Riverside.
Hoarding around the site will be decorated to create a positive visual feature, following strong public support for the idea at an engagement event in April.
A review of car parking found the loss of the multistorey car park would not have an impact as there is enough capacity within existing car parks and on street. Parking provision for the new development will be considered as part of the planning process.
A decision on the application is expected by the end of August. Work is underway to appoint a contractor to carry out the demolition.
If permission is granted, demolition will start as soon as the centre is empty, which may not be until early next year.
A detailed plan to deal with traffic, noise, dust and other issues will be submitted and approved before work starts.
Coun Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s executive board member for planning, infrastructure and urban design, said: “Submitting this application shows we are moving at pace and delivering on our promise to the people of Evesham.
“While demolition is never the most exciting part of regeneration, it paves the way for the transformational opportunity ahead that will breathe new life into our town centre.”
Coun Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon, said: “We are already attracting strong interest in the regeneration of the Riverside site, which is a sign of confidence in the town and the opportunity on offer.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/riverside to view the application.
