By Councillor Craig Reeves
MY RELATIONSHIP with Evesham town centre and its decade long story of decline has been shaped by anxiety about its future.
Hope for change and a determination to confront the challenges head-on.
To champion a town that reflects its heritage, supports its residents and surrounding villages, and gives everyone who relies on it a genuine sense of pride.
The Riverside journey has been anything but straightforward. There has been uncertainty at every turn. But since October 2024, when Wychavon announced that negotiations were underway, one thing remained constant – hope.
Hope that this central space would come into local ownership and with it the chance to change the narrative, from ‘it’s gone downhill’ to something far more positive and ambitious.
That moment has now arrived.
I’m ecstatic to say that Wychavon District Council has purchased the Riverside Shopping Centre, along with key surrounding properties including parts of Market Square, Bridge Street and the Evesham Town Hall.
This is more than a transaction, it is a decisive shift. A chance to take control of our town’s future and local wellbeing.
For too long, this area has shaped how people, both near and far perceive Evesham – and not always fairly. Now, for the first time in years, we have the means to change it.
With local ownership comes renewed confidence. Confidence among residents, who can begin to believe in the town again, and confidence among investors seeking opportunity.
It creates the conditions for new businesses to fill vacant shops and for existing traders to reinvest, recognising the town centre’s value rather than being drawn toward out-of-town alternatives.
Over recent years and in part, the reason for decline nationally – town centres have evolved. Retail alone is no longer enough, and simply wishing for what we had of old is not an option.
The future of this space lies in creating somewhere people want to spend their time, bringing together hospitality, leisure, workspaces and homes, all rooted in Evesham’s unique history.
That history and heritage championed by locals such as Mick Hurst, now recognised nationally as Visit England’s Tourism Superstar Award 2026 for the Battle Evesham festival.
Coupled with efforts by the Evesham place board and civic society, is one of our greatest strengths. This era for our town is truly transformative and it is wonderful to see all these efforts come to fruition.
But let’s be honest – there will be challenges ahead. Regeneration takes time and collective effort, not only from our council but all of us.
If we want our town to look better, feel better, and thrive again, we need to back it.
Use it. Support it. Take pride in it. Because buildings alone don’t create a place, people make a place.
This is our chance to retell Evesham’s story, not one of decline, but of resilience. Not of being left behind, but of stepping forward.
This is our Evesham.
Now let’s take turns on the wrecking ball.
