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A leading demolition specialist has been appointed to dismantle the Riverside Shopping Centre as part of Wychavon's plans to transform Evesham Town Centre.
DSM Demolition Ltd has been given responsibility for taking down the 1980s shopping centre following the decision to grant permission for its demolition in August.
DSM is one of the UK's leading demolition contractors with more than 35 years’ experience in the sector. The company has been involved in several high-profile projects, including the partial demolition of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the deconstruction of Paradise Circus in Birmingham city centre and the dismantling of White Hart Lane, the former home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
A detailed demolition plan will be developed over the coming months. Work is expected to begin in spring 2027 once the remaining businesses and organisations still operating from the centre have moved out.
The centre will be carefully dismantled in phases because of the complexity of the site and the need to protect neighbouring buildings, including Evesham Public Hall. Demolition will take between 12 to 18 months to complete. The site will be cleared down to the existing concrete slab, ensuring the archaeology below ground, including the Scheduled Ancient Monument, remains undisturbed.
Community workshops to help design artwork for the hoardings around the site will take place over the coming months, with further details to be announced shortly.
Pictured: The Riverside Shopping Centre site from the air.
Cllr Emma Kearsey, Wychavon's Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: "Appointing DSM is an exciting step forward that brings the day we can remove what has become a significant barrier to Evesham achieving its full potential closer to reality.
“But this is about much more than demolishing an outdated shopping centre. It is about creating and seizing the opportunity to transform the heart of the town centre and securing a brighter future for Evesham."
Richard Jones Group Development Director for DSM Demolition Ltd, added: “
“We are delighted to have been appointed by Wychavon District Council to deliver the demolition of the Riverside Shopping Centre and play our part in the wider transformation of Evesham town centre. This is a complex and important project, and we are proud to bring our experience and expertise to a scheme that will help unlock the next chapter for the town. We look forward to working closely with Wychavon, local stakeholders and the wider community to deliver the works safely, responsibly and with minimal disruption.”
Wychavon is also keen to address misinformation circulating online about what will eventually replace Riverside.
No detailed plans or designs for the redevelopment currently exist. A development partner is expected to be appointed in spring/summer 2027, when detailed planning and design work will start.
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders will have opportunities to help shape proposals through public engagement planned for autumn and winter 2027, before any plans are finalised and submitted for planning permission in 2028.
Claims the site will be filled with high-rise flats or all homes will be social housing are incorrect. No decisions have been made about what mix of homes could form part of the future development, which will also include retail and leisure businesses. Any scheme will also need to respect planning rules, including the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review and Wychavon Design Guide.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: "We promised from the outset that we would keep people informed as this project progresses and that remains our commitment. The simple fact is there are currently no designs for the site and no decisions have been made about what the finished development will look like. When detailed proposals are ready, Evesham residents will have the opportunity to help shape them. Until then, I would encourage people to use the information we publish to stay informed and not rely on speculation."
The latest information about the project, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found at on our Regenerating Riverside information page..