THE NEW owners of Evesham’s Riverside Shopping Centre have vowed to look at rent costs for businesses in order to create a more ‘vibrant retailing’ experience.
Aviva Investors told the Observer they were aware the centre ‘needed some attention’ following its purchase from Axa at the end of last year.
And ideas to tackle the malaise around the shopping centre, which has more than 50 per cent of its units empty, are top of the agenda.
The shopping outlet is facing stiff competition from out-of-town shopping sites, with the likes of Marks and Spencer, Next and Argos now found on the Worcester Road development – having previously had stores in the centre of town.
Aviva Investors told the Observer they were still looking into ways of improving the Riverside Shopping Centre for the future, but they would tackle the issues which are preventing it from competing with out-of-town competition.
An Aviva Investors spokesperson said: “At the end of last year we took over the responsibility for the shopping centre and are acutely aware that it requires some attention.
“Whilst we are still assessing what can be done to improve the property in the long term, it is clear that occupational costs are one of the key areas to consider.
“We will consider these when we assess how we can create a more vibrant retailing location and to compete with the out of town competition,” the spokesperson added.
