MAJOR details have been revealed on plans to demolish Evesham’s notorious shopping centre.
Wychavon District Council has submitted a full planning application to demolish the Riverside Shopping Centre.
The site will be raised to ‘slab level’ and will include the destruction of the entire Riverside Shopping Centre, the centre’s multi-storey car park (all 259 spaces), 42 Bridge Street, and 44 Bridge Street.
A decision on the plans is expected to be made by the end of August, only five months after Wychavon bought the centre, and other properties in the town from PJK Investments.
Once demolished, it is Wychavon’s intention to create a ‘vibrant mixed-use development’, which will include housing, leisure, and retail.
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.
A Wychavon District Council spokesperson said: “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.
“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 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.”
To learn more, and to have your say, click here: https://plan.wychavon.gov.uk/Planning/Display/W/26/01261/FUL
Cllr 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.”
Cllr 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.”
