Transport for London (TfL) wants to know what commuters think: Have your say on the new Tube line extension

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Residents can have their say on the details of a vital Tube line extension – as well as the names of its stations.

Transport for London (TfL) also wants to know what commuters think of a possible extension to Hayes and to Beckenham Junction in Bromley.

But a possible route through Peckham and Camberwell – which does not even have a station of its own – are not on the cards.

The latest consultation follows feedback given in previous public consultations in 2014, about the route options – and in 2017 which had potential station and shaft locations.

The extension, planned to run from Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via the Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate, would give the area a direct Tube line into central London.

It is designed to help meet the needs of the capital’s growing population, which is forecast to increase to more than 10 million people by 2030, and will help deliver more than 5,000 new jobs and at least 25,000 new homes when built.

TfL is seeking views, as part of a 10-week consultation, on the following proposals:

• a new integrated station entrance at Elephant & Castle, which would see the ticket halls for the Bakerloo and Northern lines combined. It would be built as part of the planned upgrade of the Northern line ticket hall, and be part of the proposed new shopping centre development
• the route of the proposed tunnels from Lambeth North to Elephant & Castle, and Elephant & Castle to Lewisham – possible now TfL has picked the preferred location of the proposed stations and shafts
• the location of the primary and secondary tunnelling work sites. TfL’s preferred main work site is at New Cross Gate. TfL is also proposing a new secondary work site as part of the Old Kent Road 1 station site
• a possible further extension of the route beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction in  Bromley, involving the conversion of a Network Rail line.

TfL is also asking people to name the new Bakerloo line stations in the Old Kent Road.

The first, at the junction of the Old Kent Road and Dunton Road, could be named Old Kent Road or Burgess Park.

Old Kent Road or Asylum have been suggested as names for the second station, which will be located at the junction of Old Kent Road and Asylum Road.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “The extension of the Bakerloo line could make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of South Londoners by creating a new direct route into central London and by giving a substantial boost to the local economy.”

TfL’s director of city planning, Alex Williams, said: “This consultation will help us further shape our plans for the Bakerloo line extension, which will play a vital part in supporting London’s population growth by providing capacity for at least 60,000 extra journeys in both the morning and evening peak periods.”

Cabinet member for growth, development and planning at Southwark council, Councillor Johnson Situ, said: “The extension of the Bakerloo line in Southwark will help deliver our vision for the Old Kent Road, including hundreds of affordable new homes, jobs and facilities for local people.

“This is an opportunity for people to see the proposals in detail, have their say and maybe even come up with names for the new stations that will be created along the Old Kent Road.”

Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, said: “The Bakerloo line extension would be transformational for Lewisham residents, providing better connectivity to the city and helping to deliver thousands of new social homes and jobs across the borough.

We are delighted that TfL is considering the extension to Hayes in its consultation, which would unlock the vast potential of the south of the borough.”

To give your views on TfL’s proposals, please visit tfl.gov.uk/bakerloo-extension.
The consultation will close on Sunday, December 22.