Hundreds of homes, new shops, a theatre, cinema and a hotel could all be coming to Evesham.

Wychavon District Council has made a £19 million bid to the Levelling Up Fund to kick-start the transformation of the town centre.

The application is part of a wider £95 million overhaul of the Riverside Shopping centre and the town’s main shopping area.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “We know we’re in a tough fight to secure this money but this represents a major opportunity to transform the heart of Evesham town centre and one we weren’t going to turn down.

“Our bid is exactly what levelling up is – creating opportunities for lasting transformational change – and it has wide support from the community of Evesham.

“I hope the Government will take that into consideration when assessing our bid.”

Evesham Journal: Wychavon District Council has submitted a bid to redevelop Riverside Shopping Centre and the town's main shopping areaWychavon District Council has submitted a bid to redevelop Riverside Shopping Centre and the town's main shopping area

Chase Commercial Ltd, acting on behalf of Riverside Shopping Centre’s owner PJK Ltd, has worked with Wychavon to develop a master plan for the site.

The plan includes the potential for 213 residential apartments, a theatre and cinema complex, a hotel, restaurants, cafes, bars, and independent retail outlets.

It will also reconnect the town’s main shopping area with landmarks such as the Bell Tower, the churches of All Saints and St Laurence’s, the Abbey grounds and the Almonry Museum.

MP Nigel Huddleston, Evesham Town Council, Evesham Civic Society and the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association (VECTA), are among those backing the bid.

Wychavon has been ranked a priority two area by the Government, with priority one being the highest, which will influence how the application is assessed.

Earlier this year, Wychavon announced a vision for the town’s future in its Town Centre Investment Prospectus.

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The council has already pledged £3.9 million to refurbish Evesham Public Hall to create a new events venue and a home for Evesham Arts Association.

Wychavon will find out if it’s £19 million bid has been successful sometime in autumn.