December 23rd 2024.
As Christmas drew near, the Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham was eerily quiet. Once a bustling hub of activity during the holiday season, the center now stands almost deserted. It's a sad reality for many who remember the days when the streets were filled with last-minute shoppers searching for the perfect gifts.
Back in 1988, the center was a thriving destination for all types of businesses. But now, only three shops remain open - Home Bargains, a small mobile phone store, and a cozy cafe. The remaining 40 or so units sit vacant, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere it once had. When the MailOnline recently paid a visit, they found the center to be almost deserted, with only a handful of shoppers strolling around, despite Christmas being just around the corner.
As they looked around, one area was cordoned off, with buckets carefully placed under a glass dome roof to catch the leaks when it rains. The Union Jack bunting on display added a festive touch, but no one could recall which jubilee it was originally put up for. A novelty clock featuring a swan blowing bubbles was no longer in working condition. Outside, a faded sign listed the various types of shops that used to occupy the center, from menswear and food to health and beauty. But sadly, most of these products were no longer available.
Shirley Douse, 86, who was enjoying a cup of coffee in the cafe, reminisced about the days when there used to be a fountain in the center. Sheron Annis, 76, who had just finished shopping at Home Bargains, shared her sadness over the state of the center, saying, "I've lived in Evesham for 72 years, and it's very, very sad. This place is an absolute disaster." She also mentioned that the toilets were no longer usable as they were locked up. "It's been bad for years," she added, "My granddaughter used to ask to come here and count the buckets when she was younger."
Sarah, 57, who was walking through the center with her friend Louise, 71, expressed her unease, saying, "I don't want to hang around here." She remembered how in the past, the center used to be bustling with activity, with every unit occupied by different stores, including popular ones like Next, Dorothy Perkins, and Woolworths.
As Margaret Holley, 85, sipped on her coffee in the cafe, she couldn't help but express her disappointment in the state of the shopping center. She believed that it was a disgrace and reflected poorly on Evesham, especially since it sits next to a 16th-century bell tower. Shirley Douse also mentioned that there used to be a fountain in the cordoned-off area, but now it seems that the only fountain present is the one created by the leaking ceiling.
One local resident attributed the decline of the center to the poor parking facilities and a pedestrian crossing that often caused gridlock. But the real reason behind the center's demise is still unknown. The Riverside Centre is owned by PJK Investments, and there have been talks with the local council about future plans. In a statement, Cllr Chris Day, leader of Wychavon District Council, mentioned their commitment to redevelop the center and demolish the current building. However, there are still some hurdles to overcome, especially since the center is located in a conservation area.
The Metro reached out to the council for further information, but for now, the future of the Riverside Shopping Centre remains uncertain. As Christmas approaches, the center stands as a reminder of what it once was - a bustling hub of activity and a beloved part of the community. But for now, it seems to have fallen into a sad state of disrepair.
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