Evesham regen to begin after ‘landmark’ shopping centre deal

Wychavon District Council has snapped up the town’s crumbling Riverside Shopping Centre in an undisclosed deal, paving the way for a full redevelopment of the 1980’s retail hub.

The full value of the deal to acquire the site from former owners PJK Investments has not been disclosed – although the scheme was supported by a £4.5m grant from Homes England.

The local authority says the move to buy-up the 100,000 sq ft retail site will “transform the heart” of Evesham town centre, with a mixed-use redevelopment scheme proposed, which the council says will include residential, leisure and retail uses.

Existing businesses will be given notice to quit the site this year, with demolition work is set to get under way shortly.

Plans to knock down the shopping centre are expected to be submitted next month, with work expected to begin in early 2027, as long term proposals for the site are fully fleshed out.

The future regeneration of the site could be delivered by Wychavon working with a development partner, or by selling the site to a developer with conditions attached to deliver the council’s vision, the authority says.

Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said the deal was a “landmark moment” for Evesham, while Cllr Emma Kearsey added that the move was a “once in a generation opportunity” for the town.

“By delivering bold regeneration with an impact far beyond just the Riverside site, we can bring new leisure, new retail, new homes and importantly, renewed confidence and further investment to the heart of Evesham,” she said.

Wychavon has also acquired other properties in Market Square and Bridge Street, including Marilyn’s Nightclub, which will continue to trade until the end of their tenancies.

Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding for Homes England, added: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we’re here to support partners in the public and private sector to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure or land projects face delivery challenges.

“The regeneration of the Riverside Shopping Centre is a clear example of this progress. Support from Homes England, through the Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund, will enable Wychavon District Council to deliver much‑needed homes and help create a vibrant new community in Evesham.”

As part of the deal, Wychavon has also taken ownership of the lease on Evesham Town Hall, which will be transferred to Evesham Town Council, giving them full control of the building.