Plans to demolish 1980s shopping centre submitted

Plans to demolish a shopping centre as part of a town's regeneration have been submitted.

Wychavon District Council has proposed knocking down Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham, Worcestershire, along with its multi-storey car park.

The authority said clearing the 1980s-centre would ready the site for a mixed-use residential, retail and leisure space.

Home Bargains and a telecommunications company operating a mast on top of the building have been given notice to leave, the council said.

It added relocation support was also being offered to community organisations still operating within the Riverside.

Councillor Emma Kearsey said submitting the planning application showed the authority was "moving at pace" and delivering on its 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," she added.

Evesham Public Hall would be retained and refurbished as part of the wider regeneration project while any listed buildings or other heritage assets would be protected.

The scheduled ancient monument underneath the Riverside would also not be disturbed as part of the work, the council confirmed.

Councillor Richard Morris, the authority's leader, said there was already strong interest in the site's regeneration, which he called a "sign of confidence" in the town.

A decision on the application is expected to be made by the end of August with demolition work scheduled to start as soon as the centre is empty, which would likely be early 2027.

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