Talks are underway about a possible deal to regenerate a shopping centre site.

Wychavon District Council has confirmed that negotiations with the current owner and investment partners regarding the Riverside Shopping Centre site in Evesham are progressing.

If successful, the building will be brought into public ownership and demolished before being redeveloped.

Councillor Chris Day, leader of council, said: "We have a strategic commitment in our We Are Wychavon Plan to redevelop the Riverside Shopping Centre by March 2028, and we’re making good progress on that promise.

"We don’t have a timeline for a deal at the moment because there are still a lot of hurdles to get over, but we’re closer to reaching an agreement now than we have ever been.

"As soon as we can share more details with the public we will, but it’s important to point out even if a deal is reached, there are no quick fixes."

He added: "It’s a complex building in a conservation area.

"It will need to be demolished and a development partner appointed.

"At the same time, we must make sure what we are doing is value for money and is the right thing for Evesham."

The Evesham Town Centre Investment Prospectus, published in 2022, identified the shopping centre redevelopment as a site with the potential to spark the wider regeneration of the town centre.

It proposed creating a mixed residential, retail and leisure development while linking the town centre, Abbey Park, The Bell Tower, Almonry Museum, Market Square and Public Hall.

"There are exciting opportunities ahead for Evesham, and all of Wychavon’s town centres.

"We’re unwavering in our commitment to take advantage of them," Councillor Day added.

He continued: "Wychavon District Council is also considering legal options to ensure the Riverside Shopping Centre is properly maintained after complaints from residents about the centre’s condition.

"It’s obvious the Riverside Shopping Centre has fallen into an unacceptable condition and the blame for that sits solely with the current owner," Councillor Day said.

"We have tried getting the owner and their agents to take action on this issue.

"While improvements have been made occasionally, it falls far short of what’s needed."