// Walthamstow Appeal launched for those affected by the fire at The Mall Walthamstow
// Appeal is led by Capital & Regional, owner of the north-east London shopping centre, and charity RetailTrust
// An initial £60,000 has been pledged on the appeal’s Just Giving crowdfunding page
A fundraising appeal has been launched for The Mall Walthamstow business owners and staff who have been adversely affected the shopping centre’s recent fire.
The Walthamstow Appeal is being led by Capital & Regional, the owner of the north-east London shopping centre, in partnership with industry charity RetailTrust and the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust.
The appeal aims to support those employed at The Mall Walthamstow and who have been negatively affected by the serious fire which took place last week.
An initial £60,000 has been pledged on the appeal’s Just Giving crowdfunding page.
This pledge is made up of £25,000 each from Retail Trust and Capital Regional, plus a £10,000 contribution from Waltham Forest Council.
“The Mall is at the heart of the community in Walthamstow and we understand that the fire has had an impact on some people working in our stores in addition to the many people who work and live locally,” Capital & Regional chief executive Lawrence Hutchings said.
“Our priority is to have the centre fully operational again as safely and promptly as possible,” Hutchings added.
“To this end, a number of stores have been able to open and others will do so in a phased manner, however it could take some time before those stores that were more seriously damaged can reopen.
“In the meantime, we are working very hard to provide help and support to those experiencing hardship as a result of the fire, including this partnership with the two foremost charities in our sector to offer additional financial and emotional assistance.”
RetailTrust chief executive Richard Boland said: “The initial response to these unforeseen events is a need for emotional support and counselling for individuals affected.
“We have set aside a sum of up to £25,000 initially to help those individuals who may over the coming weeks suffer financial or other hardship as a result of the fire.
“As the trade’s charity it is our duty not only to address the short-term situation but help wherever we can with longer term solutions.”
The fire came almost a year after The Mall Walthamstow secured planning permission for an 86,000sq ft expansion.
Work was set to commence in 2020, five years after Capital & Regional undertook a full refurbishment of the centre.
The plans included space for 12 new retailers and 460 new homes situated above it.
To donate to the Walthamstow Appeal, click here
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