Death of the High Street - Boarded Up Closed Shops - Empty Shopping Arcade Evesham
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- Опубликовано: 20 фев 2024
- Broken Britain - Retail Rot in Evesham, Cotswolds.
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The gradual decline of its town center. In recent years, Evesham has witnessed a troubling trend: the closure of local businesses, boarded-up shops, and the hollowing out of its once bustling high street. This phenomenon is not unique to Evesham; it's a story echoed in towns and cities across the UK, emblematic of the broader challenges facing traditional retail in the digital age.
Out-of-town shopping centers have played a significant role in the demise of Evesham's town center. These sprawling retail complexes, often offering ample parking and a wide array of stores, have drawn shoppers away from the traditional high street. With big-name brands and convenient amenities, it's no wonder consumers are lured to these retail behemoths, leaving the town center struggling to compete.
But perhaps the most significant blow to Evesham's high street has come from the rise of online shopping giants like Amazon and eBay. In an era of unparalleled convenience, consumers can browse, purchase, and receive goods without ever setting foot outside their homes. While this may be a boon for shoppers, it spells disaster for local businesses unable to match the scale and efficiency of online retailers.
The consequences of this shift are evident throughout Evesham. Once vibrant storefronts now stand empty, their windows covered in grime and neglect. Where families once strolled, now there are only echoes of footsteps on deserted pavements. The heart of the town, once a hub of activity and commerce, now beats faintly, if at all.
The death of Evesham's high street is not just a matter of economic decline; it's a symptom of a deeper malaise. It reflects a society in flux, where community bonds are fraying, and individualism reigns supreme. In the rush for progress and efficiency, we have sacrificed something vital - the soul of our towns and cities.
Yet, amidst the desolation, there are glimmers of hope. Community groups and local initiatives are working tirelessly to revitalize Evesham's town center, breathing new life into old spaces and fostering a sense of belonging. From pop-up markets to artisanal boutiques, these efforts serve as a reminder that the spirit of community is not easily extinguished.
As we bear witness to the decline of Evesham's high street, we are compelled to confront difficult questions about the future of our urban landscapes. How do we strike a balance between progress and preservation? Can we reimagine our town centers as vibrant hubs of activity once more? And, perhaps most importantly, what role do we, as consumers and citizens, play in shaping the destiny of our communities?
Join us as we explore the untold story of Evesham, a town grappling with the challenges of modernity and the enduring quest for identity and belonging. Together, let us chart a path forward, one that honors the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. The fate of Evesham hangs in the balance - will we rise to the occasion, or will we allow the death of the high street to be etched in stone?
Evesham, a picturesque market town in Worcestershire, England, boasts a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Its story is intertwined with significant events in English history. Founded as a Saxon settlement, it flourished in the Middle Ages, renowned for its abbey, which was one of the wealthiest in England until its dissolution in 1540 during the Reformation. The abbey's ruins remain a prominent landmark, offering a glimpse into its former grandeur.
Evesham played a pivotal role in the 13th century Battle of Evesham, a decisive conflict in the Second Barons' War. Here, Simon de Montfort, rebel leader against King Henry III, was defeated, solidifying the monarchy's power. This battle shaped the course of English politics and is commemorated annually through the Evesham Battle reenactment.
During the Industrial Revolution, Evesham embraced agricultural and industrial advancements, particularly in market gardening and the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. The town became known for its orchards and asparagus fields, earning it the title "the Vale of Evesham."
In the 20th century, Evesham experienced further development and expansion, becoming a hub for technology and manufacturing. The town's economy diversified, incorporating electronics, automotive, and food processing industries.
Today, Evesham blends its historical charm with modern amenities. Visitors can explore its medieval streets, visit heritage sites like the Almonry Museum, or enjoy the natural beauty of the River Avon. Evesham's vibrant community, cultural events, and scenic surroundings continue to attract residents and tourists alike, preserving its legacy as a quintessential English market town with a rich and varied history.
EDIT: Evesham is in Worcestshire - not Gloucestershire, where I live. I didn't realise the obvious schoolboy error until a few days in to being uploaded. Apologies to any locals who may have spat their dinner out in disgust! 🤣 Thanks to @Dinger154 for the gentle nudge.
This is NOT about lack of corporate money. Its about people choosing to shop at retail parks to avoid ASB, druggies and crime that plague our town centres.
The high streets are turning into take-aways, vape stores, betting shops & if you’re really unlucky you get a wetherslops.
I used to live in Evesham between 2013-2019. As Eastern European imigrant, who came in for a better life I gotta say it was a nice place to be at first. There were decent charity shops, pubs. Walking around the town on a day off was a fantastic experience. I used to spend few hours a week wondering around. At the end of my residence there it felt like the town is dying. No older people to be seen around. Job market was dead. People around working mainly low skilled jobs, mainly food warehouses and factories around. UK as a whole is in some sort of economy crysis while brits still think they live in a empire.
It's all deliberate, all of it.
What is disgusting.. blame the greedy councils across the UK for painting double yellow lines everywhere in or near shops or shopping centres pay and display car parks are the reason.. No wonder people are shopping online .. 🤔
I lived in Evesham from 1997 to 2005, and this is a very fair reflection of the town centre. Wychavon DC are the main culprits - they approved four out of town shopping centres, kept the car parking charges in place and have done nothing to revitalise the town centre over the last 20 years whilst shops have moved to the retail parks. The "plan" that the moron from Wychavon DC mentions has not been funded and is purely an aspirational goal... I personally feel the local authority have washed their hands of Evesham and are concentrating on the nicer towns they control (Pershore and Droitwich Spa). Thanks for the video, depressing as it is!
The cost of maintaining a shop is beyond what profit you can make. Also, the supermarkets make food and drink cheaper, while the internet makes shopping more convenient and price friendly.
Business rates, parking charges, shopping online. A perfect storm.
So sad; visited Evesham with my sons the other week as we lived there when they were kids for nearly 10 years. We were shocked to see the decline & the empty shopping centre, leaking, drab & deserted. I never understood why the council allowed such a beautiful riverside town to slide like this. I come from Henley on Thames & lived in Marlow - both lovely riverside towns but they’re thriving. Evesham has or could have all that Marlow offers. Just feel that Evesham is a huge missed opportunity; next to the wealthy, touristy Cotswolds - it can’t just be about money/funding?! It’s almost as if when the council or town planners turned down the likes of Debenhams & M&S many years ago (though there was an M&S Food briefly) they wanted to keep the town ‘down’. Now it’s almost too far gone. Strange attitudes & strategy. I heard the owners of the shopping centre were far too out of touch & greedy with the rents going back years. And that it mattered not to them if shops were empty or not. And now they are all empty. It’s a tragic waste of a historic & potentially pretty riverside town in a great area.
Out of town Malls and the internet killed the High Street experience which is a shame because I loved it as a kid growing up in the 80's.
It’s the death of the high street and Britain in general
The peoples jobs were exported to the far east. I worked in Birmingham in the 70s and 80s in engineering. I visited Birmingham recently and was shocked to see the decline of the city. Industry was shut down.
It is just like most towns and cities in the UK. Getting taken over by none Brits.
Insightful, street-level look at a town that's become like so many all over the UK right now
I quite like Evesham. I used to live in Coventry and passed through it regularly. It was nice to stop off for a break and walk around. It's history was mainly agricultural with a lot of fruit, veg and flower farming around. Like all towns, changes in the publics behaviour, both shopping and leisure, has negatively effected town centre shopping. I'm afraid the writing is on the wall for retail.
Banks closing, aware winning public toilets closed, older people and disabled who can’t drive are screwed
Great video thanks for posting. As a Manc I would assume somewhere like this would be dripping in money. Sadly not.
As a British Expat since 1997 , I had a massive tour of the whole of the UK in 2016 with a view to return. I whittled it down to only 6 places that I could consider living in. But so miserable and on the verge of depression by the time I’d finished the tour. I returned to Asia . I live next to the beach, with a gym , 34c , costs of living 80% that of Oxford, bought a house in cash , free healthcare and dentistry # 1 rated globally. No way would I retire in the UK. A full VIP haircut ( wash, shave, eyebrow trimming, ear cleaning) by a Japanese trained barber £4. Root canal surgery with extraction , £5 . Time to see a USA trained Doctor 1 hour. Referred to specialist at hospital 3 days. Procedure 1 week waiting time. Council tax 0 . Bins collected 4 times per DAY. Crime negligible.
Have you been to Chatham high street for that looks like something out of a dystopian film!