Date published: 23 April 2026
Hundreds of people turned out for a first chance to discuss plans to reshape the heart of Evesham Town Centre.
More than 300 residents and representatives from businesses and organisations attended the engagement event at Evesham Town Hall on 16 April to find out more about the Riverside Regeneration Project, ask questions and share their views.
Those attending had the chance to talk to councillors, senior officers and specialists about everything from what types of businesses would be included in the future redevelopment to parking.
Pictured: Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, speaks to the crowd at the Riverside Regeneration Project engagement event.
Visitors explored a series of vision boards showcasing examples of town centre redevelopments from across the country. People were encouraged to share what they liked and didn’t like, helping to build a picture of what could work in Evesham.
There was also an opportunity to speak to Make Murals and Workshops CIC, who are working with Wychavon to develop ideas for artwork on the hoarding that will surround the site during demolition and construction.
As part of the scheme, the shopping centre will be demolished and replaced with a mix of housing, retail and leisure units that will be designed to reconnect the town centre to Evesham’s historic assets, award-winning park and riverside setting.
Cllr Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: “The number of people that attended the early conversation event with the people of Evesham was wonderful to see and demonstrated what I’ve always known that we all care deeply about the future of our town.
We’ve had some great conversations and taken all the feedback on board which will shape the demolition phase and the brief for the future development of the site and the transformation of the town. Everyone was extremely positive about bringing the pride back to Evesham.”
Residents and businesses who were unable to attend the event can still have their say by completing the online survey, which is open until Sunday 26 April.
For more information on the project and to take part in the survey, visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/riverside.
A planning application for the demolition of the Riverside Shopping Centre is due to be submitted in May, with a decision expected later in the summer. Subject to approval, demolition work is planned to begin by spring 2027.
Feedback gathered through the event and the wider consultation will help inform both the demolition plans and the next stage of the project.
Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: ““We had some really positive conversations on the night. There were some concerns raised, and we will take those on board, but overall, there was a real sense of excitement and optimism about what this project could deliver.
“The message we heard loud and clear is that we have to get this right for Evesham, and that starts by listening to the people that know the town best.”