DLR Extension: A Game-Changer for Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead
The potential extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead promises to bring significant improvements to transport connections and enable the construction of up to 30,000 new homes along the route. This transformative project, detailed in the Transforming Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside report, sets out a visionary approach that considers national, regional, and local contexts, various transport options, and project stages.
The project explores two key options for supporting new homes and jobs in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead:
1. Cross-River DLR Extension:
A cross-river DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. This would include a new DLR station at Beckton Riverside, a tunnel under the River Thames, and a new DLR station at Thamesmead.
2. Bus Transit Scheme:
A bus transit scheme using dedicated infrastructure from Woolwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead. This would improve local connectivity and capacity in the wider Thamesmead area, providing affordable, accessible, and frequent connections to the Elizabeth line and DLR services.
The government has confirmed funding for this scheme, subject to the approval of a business case. New infrastructure would support not only the bus transit route but also many other bus routes in the area, along with improvements for walking and cycling.
The proposed DLR extension would bring numerous benefits, including:
- Support for up to 30,000 potential new homes along the route.
- Improved connections across the river and reduced car dependency, promoting a shift towards sustainable transport modes and lowering carbon emissions.
- Creation of up to 10,000 jobs and stimulation of economic growth.
- Enhanced direct connections to central London via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines.
- Quicker journeys to other parts of east London, such as Stratford and the Isle of Dogs.
- Improvements to the bus network serving Thamesmead.
- Enhanced walking and cycling networks in the area.
The Mayor has expressed strong support for the project in his Transport Strategy. With policy backing at all levels, Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) are collaborating with various partners to realise the full potential of this proposal. Key stakeholders include the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London Borough of Newham, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Homes England, the Department for Transport (DfT), and major landowners such as Lendlease and Peabody, abrdn, and St William.
TfL and its partners are working to maximise local and regional funding, find ways to reduce costs, and create efficiencies. Government support is essential due to the project's size. A full Strategic Outline Case has been submitted to the government, seeking a contribution towards the Outline Business Case stage. Government capital funding would also be necessary to begin construction as early as 2028, with the aim of opening to customers in the early 2030s.
This ambitious DLR extension project represents a significant opportunity for Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside, offering substantial benefits in terms of housing, transport, and economic growth. With strong support and collaboration from all stakeholders, this project has the potential to transform the area and create a brighter future for its residents.
1. Cross-River DLR Extension:
A cross-river DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. This would include a new DLR station at Beckton Riverside, a tunnel under the River Thames, and a new DLR station at Thamesmead.
2. Bus Transit Scheme:
A bus transit scheme using dedicated infrastructure from Woolwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead. This would improve local connectivity and capacity in the wider Thamesmead area, providing affordable, accessible, and frequent connections to the Elizabeth line and DLR services.
The government has confirmed funding for this scheme, subject to the approval of a business case. New infrastructure would support not only the bus transit route but also many other bus routes in the area, along with improvements for walking and cycling.
The proposed DLR extension would bring numerous benefits, including:
- Support for up to 30,000 potential new homes along the route.
- Improved connections across the river and reduced car dependency, promoting a shift towards sustainable transport modes and lowering carbon emissions.
- Creation of up to 10,000 jobs and stimulation of economic growth.
- Enhanced direct connections to central London via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines.
- Quicker journeys to other parts of east London, such as Stratford and the Isle of Dogs.
- Improvements to the bus network serving Thamesmead.
- Enhanced walking and cycling networks in the area.
The Mayor has expressed strong support for the project in his Transport Strategy. With policy backing at all levels, Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) are collaborating with various partners to realise the full potential of this proposal. Key stakeholders include the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London Borough of Newham, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Homes England, the Department for Transport (DfT), and major landowners such as Lendlease and Peabody, abrdn, and St William.
TfL and its partners are working to maximise local and regional funding, find ways to reduce costs, and create efficiencies. Government support is essential due to the project's size. A full Strategic Outline Case has been submitted to the government, seeking a contribution towards the Outline Business Case stage. Government capital funding would also be necessary to begin construction as early as 2028, with the aim of opening to customers in the early 2030s.
This ambitious DLR extension project represents a significant opportunity for Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside, offering substantial benefits in terms of housing, transport, and economic growth. With strong support and collaboration from all stakeholders, this project has the potential to transform the area and create a brighter future for its residents.
