Transport for London (TfL) has launched talks to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with priority given to the route from Gallion’s Reach to Thamesmead via Becton Riverside.
Transport for London will work with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the London Borough of Newham to build the two new stations.
The consultation is open until March 18 and feedback from the public will help make decisions about the plans and inform the design and next steps. Following public consultation, the next stage will be to develop an outline business case.
The proposed extension would connect two opportunity areas and four developments and include a new station at Becton Riverside.
A new tunnel under the River Thames will connect to another new station at Thamesmead.
New public transport options, such as the extension, will support low carbon development in Thamesmead and Becton Riverside, allowing up to 25,000 to 30,000 new homes to be built along the route. Connectivity across the river will also be improved, providing an alternative to the use of private vehicles to reduce future emissions and pollution levels.
A Strategic Overview Case was submitted to Government in 2023, outlining how the extension could have a transformative effect on the region.
A major part of the work will be to identify options to make the most of local and regional funding sources, increase costs and increase efficiency, but depending on the size of the project some external support may be required. Become.
To date, funding for the feasibility study has been provided by a partnership of public and private organizations interested in regenerating the area. It is hoped that an affordable solution will be agreed by 2025, construction can begin by 2028, and the extension can open to traffic in the early 2030s.
To increase capacity across the Docklands light rail network and meet rising demand, Transport for London will introduce 54 new trains from this year, 33 of which will replace the oldest trains. Final delivery is scheduled for 2026.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Since the 1930s, we have built a record 116,000 truly affordable homes and completed even more homes of all types, and the demand for housing in London shows no signs of slowing down.
“I am excited that TfL is starting this consultation. The extension of the DLR presents a huge opportunity for London, supporting tens of thousands of new homes, providing new transport links and boosting the economy. Providing the capital with the infrastructure it needs to grow is key to building a better, more prosperous London for everyone. ”
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: Extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Becton Riverside provides a significant opportunity to increase connectivity, linking two major growth areas with two new accessible stations.
“This important public consultation will ensure we receive feedback from those who may benefit from the extension in the future and will help shape our plans as we move to the next stage of the plan. ”
Royal Borough of Greenwich Mayor Cllr Anthony Okereke said: “The DLR extension is at the heart of the regeneration of Thamesmead and will transform the area, much like the Elizabeth Line did for Woolwich and Abbey Wood.” Ta. As part of our Greenwich mission, we remain committed to making it easier, safer and greener for residents to navigate the borough and the rest of London.
“Quality public transport is vital to the local economy. This expansion will support the delivery of thousands of jobs and up to 15,000 new homes in Thamesmead. We encourage you to participate and share your feedback on our proposals.”
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Ellis and Thamesmead, said:
“This will be a much-needed public transport improvement for the people of Thamesmead who need easy and cheap access to travel for work, study and leisure.
“I have campaigned for a long time for ambitious plans to put Thamesmead on the transport map, with the support of the local authority, TfL, local businesses, community groups and, most importantly, the people who live here. I’m glad I did.”
Roxana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “The new extension of the DLR has the potential to create a new town center in the south of the borough, with more affordable homes and improved community infrastructure. , and potentially opening up the riverfront to everyone.”
“Our proven co-production model is how we ensure that the voices of residents are listened to and listened to in all the important decisions we make to shape the future of the borough. We urge residents to take the time to engage in these important consultations that will help us and our project partners take the next steps to realize these plans.”
