Council moves to quash shopping centre rumours

Council bosses have hit out at online rumours about the future of a derelict shopping centre, insisting "no decisions have been made" about the final redevelopment.

Wychavon District Council said "misinformation" was circulating on social media suggesting the Riverside shopping centre site in Evesham would be filled with high-rise flats or only social housing.

The authority said the redevelopment would still include retail and leisure, and no final decisions have been made about the future mix of housing, once the building is knocked down.

Councillor Richard Morris, the leader, said: "I would encourage people to use the information we publish to stay informed, and not rely on speculation."

The centre was built in 1988 and has more than 40 units, but has suffered years of decline and is all-but deserted.

The last remaining business, a Home Bargains store, has already been given notice to leave, as well as a telecommunications firm operating a mast on top of the building.

The council intends to attract investors who can turn the site into a leisure and retail attraction, alongside an element of property, having awarded planning permission for the demolition back in August.

Morris said the rumours, which have been running rampant on Facebook, were causing concern.

"We promised from the outset that we would keep people informed as this project progresses, and that remains our commitment," he said.

"The simple fact is there are currently no designs for the site and no decisions have been made about what the finished development will look like.

"When detailed proposals are ready, Evesham residents will have the opportunity to help shape them."

DSM Demolition has been appointed to carry out the demolition, starting in spring and taking between and 18 months.

The scheduled ancient monument underneath the Riverside will not be disturbed as part of the work.

Regeneration experts Savills were appointed to market the site, which has been dubbed a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the heart of Evesham".

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