A shopping centre that has been described as the UK's "saddest" is set to be demolished after years of decline. The Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham, Worcestershire, now has just one shop remaining after businesses were told to leave earlier this year.
Demolition Plans Submitted
Wychavon District Council has submitted plans to demolish the centre as part of a major regeneration project. The authority wants to clear the ageing shopping centre and its multi-storey car park before redeveloping the site. If approved, the demolition could begin as early as next year.
The shopping centre was built in the 1980s but has struggled in recent years as shopping habits changed. According to the council, the centre "has been in decline for several years and is no longer viable as it does not meet the needs of modern businesses or visitors."
Once in a Generation Opportunity
The authority says it now has a "once in a generation opportunity" to reshape the centre of Evesham. A planning application has been submitted to demolish the shopping centre and create a site ready for a mixed-use development featuring homes, shops and leisure facilities.
Evesham Public Hall will remain and be refurbished as part of the wider plans. Listed buildings and other heritage assets will also be protected, while a scheduled ancient monument underneath the site will not be disturbed.
Businesses Given Notice
Home Bargains and a telecommunications company operating a mast on top of the centre have both been given notice to leave. Community organisations still operating within the Riverside are being offered relocation support.
In March, businesses and organisations still trading inside the shopping centre were formally given six months to vacate the site. The council completed a deal to buy the Riverside Shopping Centre, most of the units in Market Square, Evesham Town Hall and some units in Bridge Street on March 17 this year.
A public engagement event was then held in April before the demolition application was submitted in May. Wychavon District Council expects a decision on the demolition plans by the end of August. If permission is granted, work could begin during winter 2026 or spring 2027 once the centre is fully empty.
Council Comments
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."
Reasons for Decline
The council said the decline of the shopping centre can be traced back to the years following the 2008 financial crash. It said more people now shop online, reducing demand for traditional town centre shopping malls. According to the authority, many of the units are outdated and would require significant investment to modernise, with no guarantee businesses would move in. Instead, the council hopes a mixed-use development will attract new investment and help secure the long-term future of Evesham town centre.
