Update on plans to extend DLR

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A new update has been announced about plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

Under the proposals, the Beckton DLR branch would continue from Gallions Reach station to two new stops – Beckton Riverside in Newham and Thamesmead in Greenwich

Newham council documents said the project was estimated to cost between £700million and £1.2billion under 2021 prices, but the cost is expected to rise given inflation.

It also gave an update on when the new extension could be ready to use.

Newham council officers said in a report: “Taking account of future inflation between 2021 and the anticipated construction period of 2028-33, outturn costs are currently forecast at between £950m and £1.7bn.”

The news comes as a solution for plans to build up to 30,000 new homes at two separate sites at Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside.

Council documents said that while the opportunity at the sites was “huge”, the potential was constrained by the area’s lack of access to rail services.

Pictured top: A DLR train at Royal Victoria station (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/mattbuck)