THERE is confusion over plans for the future of a town's controversial shopping centre.

Wychavon District Council said it is in talks with investment partners and the owner of the Riverside Shopping Centre, and if successful, could see the site demolished and redeveloped. 

However, shopping centre owner PJK Investments said it had not received any correspondence from Wychavon and had nothing further to comment.

Wychavon District Council said that it had sent more than 20 emails since June to the agent/owner of the centre regarding its condition.

The site is in the heart of the town centre and is in an unacceptable condition according, to Wychavon District Council leader Chris Day. 

The news that negotiations are happening came out of the blue last Thursday (November 7) but was welcomed by residents and town council members. 

Councillor Chris Day said: "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.

"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 Riverside Shopping Centre redevelopment as a site with the potential to spark the wider regeneration of the town centre.

It proposes 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.

Wychavon is also considering legal options to make sure the Riverside Shopping Centre is properly maintained after complaints from residents about the centre’s condition.

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

“It’s obvious the Riverside Shopping Centre has fallen into an unacceptable condition and the blame for that sits solely with the current owners."

Councillor Day said improvements had been made occasionally but more were needed.

He added: "That’s why I have now asked officers to look at our legal options to ensure the site is regularly and properly maintained while work on a longer-term solution continues."

The centre has 40 retail units but many are currently empty due to the state of the site. 

John Clatworthy, deputy mayor at Evesham Town Council, said: "The news came a bit out of the blue. 

"The council has written numerous times to the owner but we have been up against a brick wall every time.

"It's good to see that things are moving."