Bakerloo Line Extension down to Lewisham secured by Transport Secretary

By Toby Porter

The route of the Bakerloo Line Extension down to Lewisham has been secured with a special government instrument by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

This follows three months after land along the line was given protected status, meaning it cannot be built on by competing developments.

The project would see two new stations created on the Old Kent Road, probably called ‘Burgess Park’ and ‘Old Kent Road’ respectively.

The Safeguarding Directions follow on from a public consultation which showed that the extension had the support of nearly nine in 10 respondents, as well as from businesses and local authorities along the proposed route.

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, and Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said in a joint statement: “Today is a major milestone for the Bakerloo line extension.

“The safeguarding directions will prevent premature development on sites required for the project and enable us to deliver this vital project when the time is right.

“Extending the Bakerloo line and upgrading the existing line will connect an historically underserved part of London to the Tube network, while unlocking thousands of new homes that London desperately needs and supporting new jobs.”

“We will continue to work with the Government and others on options for funding so this scheme can be delivered and its many benefits realised.”