A Walthamstow shopping centre could be extended upwards as part of plans to regenerate the town centre move forward.

Owners of The Mall in the High Street are planning to cash in on a surge in developments in the E17 area.

As plans go in to the council to build hundreds of homes in the Blackhorse Road area and more around the Central Station, retailers are becoming keen to expand for the new audience.

Although no plans have been submitted, it is expected The Mall could submit plans to build upwards

Documents going to the council’s cabinet next week state the owners will want to build on top of the existing shopping centre and outwards on to part of the Town Square and gardens.

Waltham Forest council currently owns the freehold of the land on the High Street.

The cabinet will discuss the plans at their meeting next week (Tuesday).

The Mall is currently houses around 55 retailers after beginning a 99 year lease in 1988.

However, owners want to provide larger units to attract more retailers, making the centre more attractive for shoppers.

Further decisions regarding the commercial arrangements and planning permission will return to cabinet, planning committee.