PLANS for a national retailer to move on to land in Evesham town centre occupied by the fire station are moving forward.

Wychavon councillors backed a proposed new development at Merstow Green at a meeting on Tuesday, describing it as a “shot in the arm” for the retail economy.

Members of the executive board agreed to continue negotiations with the unnamed retailer, which they hope will move into the area of the town where Evesham fire station and the Old Brewery car park stand.

As part of the deal, the fire station would be sold to the council and redeveloped, with the station being moved to the council’s Abbey Road depot.

A decision whether to sell was expected to be made last night by the fire and rescue authority.

If the plans are successful a planning application could be submitted by September.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Councillor Bob Banks said: “I believe this development would be good for the residents of Evesham and the surrounding areas as well. It would be good for the High Street in Evesham.

It needs a shot in the arm.”

Coun Adrian Darby raised concerns about the lack of parking and Coun Charles Tucker asked if the council was in danger of “building a white elephant”.

Jack Hegarty, managing director of Wychavon, assured councillors the development would be commercially driven.

He said: “The company we are talking to have presented themselves with an exercise that is commercially driven and will be attractive to commercial investment.

The development would have to stack up commercially to work. We wouldn’t bring anything that didn’t.

“This is a unique opportunity in the current climate to bring in new investment.”

Coun Gerry O’Donnell said the move by the company was largely due to work by the Evesham Market Town Partnership.

He added: “We certainly must take every opportunity to invest wherever possible in town centre retail opportunities.”