Plan to extend DLR to Thamesmead

Thousands of families could benefit from a hugely shorter commute if the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is extended to Thamesmead.

The new public transport options would support the delivery of more than 25,000 new homes along the route, as well as improving connections across the river.

The project would be part of a scheme to deliver more than 15,000 new homes and around 8,000 jobs in the area south of the river.

Transport for London (TfL) is looking again at a possible extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, following the confirmation of the new Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF).

TfL is looking at the design and impact issues in a joint commission with Arup and Atkins – and with Aecom looking at socio-economic support. It will be fully funded by external partners through a £1m joint funding agreement between Newham and Greenwich councils and developers Thamesmead Waterfront – a joint venture partnership between Peabody and Lendlease – plus Aberdeen Standard Investments and St William – a joint venture between Berkeley Group and National Grid.

It will allow TfL and partners to further develop the proposed DLR extension from Gallions Reach in Newham to Beckton Riverside, and then across the river to Thamesmead. The scheme was included in TfL’s submission to the recent Government Comprehensive Spending Review as one which could support new housing and jobs where they are needed most to regenerate both London and the wider UK economy.

This next stage of technical work will allow further development of the route and the potential locations of stations to be considered. Support work on other transport options within the OAPF will also be carried out including options for a rapid bus corridor and new walking and cycling links.

Further assessments on both the potential environmental impacts and transport benefits of these schemes will ensure that the best options to support growth in the area are taken forward once appropriate funding has been identified and secured.

Leader of Greenwich council, Councillor Danny Thorpe, said: “We’ve been making the case for improved public transport for residents in the east of our borough for many years and we’re happy that TfL and the Mayor of London are taking this seriously. With thousands more homes planned for Thamesmead, the DLR extension in particular is an option we really want to see made a reality.

“It’s been more than 50 years since the first homes in Thamesmead were built, and thousands more will be built over the coming years. We’re serious about improving air quality and tackling the climate emergency so enabling new and existing residents to walk, cycle and use public transport is crucial.”

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Pictured top: Thamesmead