Plans to extend DLR to Thamesmead could “transform” the area

A consultation has begun on plans to extend the Dockland Light Railway to Thamesmead in a move which the leader of Greenwich council has said would “transform” the area.

Transport for London (TfL) is inviting people to have their say on proposals for the extension of the DLR – the preferred route being a cross-river extension of the line from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, creating two new stations.

A new DLR station would be built at Beckton Riverside, with a tunnel built under the River Thames linked to another new DLR station at Thamesmead.

TfL has been working together with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority (GLA), as well as landowners Peabody, Lendlease, abrdn, St William (Berkeley Homes) and Homes England to support the delivery of new homes, improved town centres and better access to jobs within and from Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. 

TfL said it would build on experience from 2009 when the DLR was extended to Woolwich Arsenal, tunneling beneath the River Thames, with housing growth following in areas including Woolwich, Canning Town and the Royal Docks.

The DLR extension would also directly support the creation of up to 10,000 jobs and would provide quicker journeys to other parts of east London like Stratford and the Isle of Dogs, with direct connections to central London via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, leader of Greenwich council, said: “The DLR extension is central to the regeneration of Thamesmead and would transform the area, just like the Elizabeth line has done for Woolwich and Abbey Wood.  

“We remain committed as part of Our Greenwich mission to make it easier, safer and greener for residents to move around the borough and the rest of London. 

“High quality public transport is essential to our local economy. This extension would support thousands of jobs and the delivery of up to 15,000 new homes in Thamesmead. 

“We encourage residents and businesses to participate in the consultation and share their feedback on the proposals”.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: “I am very pleased that TfL is launching a consultation on plans to extend the DLR to our community in Thamesmead.

“This would be a much-needed public transport improvement for the people of Thamesmead who need to be able to travel easily and cheaply for work, study or leisure.

“I’ve long campaigned for these ambitious plans to put Thamesmead on the transport map and I’m pleased to have had the support of local authorities, TfL, local businesses, community groups, and most importantly the people who live here.”

The consultation runs until March 18. Have your say here.

Pictured top: A route map of the proposed extension (Picture: TfL)