London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has welcomed the government’s backing for the Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead, describing it as a big win for London that will unlock tens of thousands of homes, stimulate jobs and drive long-term growth across the capital.
The comments follow this morning’s confirmation that the £1.7bn scheme, first proposed years ago and championed relentlessly during Khan’s mayoralty, is finally being supported by the Treasury ahead of next week’s Budget.
For a city still grappling with housing shortages, connectivity gaps and rising demand for employment opportunities, this commitment marks a turning point in London’s growth strategy.
Khan’s intervention on social media underscores the significance of this moment:
I’ve long called for the DLR extension to Thamesmead to become a reality. The government’s backing is a big win for London that will boost jobs and help create tens of thousands of new homes for Londoners.
He added:
The DLR extension to Thamesmead is critical not just to stimulate new jobs and growth in our capital, but across the country.
These remarks are more than political messaging, they reflect nearly a decade of consistent pressure for meaningful investment in transport, regeneration and housing.
While previous administrations explored Thamesmead links in theory, it has been under Khan’s leadership that concrete proposals were advanced, feasibility work commissioned and regional support gathered. His consistent collaboration with TfL, boroughs, developers and community groups created the momentum necessary to bring this project back onto the national agenda.
Sadiq Khan’s tenure has often been defined by challenging external circumstances: a global pandemic, soaring inflation and prolonged funding negotiations with central government. Yet despite these pressures, he has maintained a clear focus on improving transport access and expanding opportunity for Londoners.
The DLR extension is a powerful example of this long-term, strategic approach:
Few mayors have fought so consistently for large-scale, future-defining infrastructure. And fewer still have succeeded in pushing these proposals into the national spotlight until securing full Treasury support. Across the construction sector, many recognise that Khan has been one of the strongest advocates for London’s long-term infrastructure investment since the days of the Olympic build-out.
The new DLR link, stretching from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and beneath the Thames into Thamesmead, will reduce journey times dramatically, attract private investment and open the door to one of the most ambitious regeneration opportunities in the UK.
For the south-east of the city, this is not just a transport upgrade. It is the foundation for a new era of housing, employment, education and cultural growth.
While credit must be shared with the Treasury for recognising the value of the scheme, Khan’s leadership has clearly been instrumental. His persistent calls for the extension, backed by robust evidence from TfL and strong support across London’s business and community sectors, ensured this project remained impossible to ignore. In reality, this is the kind of partnership London has needed for years: strong mayoral vision paired with national investment.
Sadiq Khan’s advocacy for the DLR extension to Thamesmead marks one of the defining achievements of his time as Mayor of London. By securing support for a project that will reshape the future of south-east London, and help thousands of families access homes, jobs and opportunities, he continues to reinforce his legacy as one of the city’s most impactful and forward-thinking leaders.
London now moves a step closer to a fairer, better-connected and more prosperous future.
The comments follow this morning’s confirmation that the £1.7bn scheme, first proposed years ago and championed relentlessly during Khan’s mayoralty, is finally being supported by the Treasury ahead of next week’s Budget.
For a city still grappling with housing shortages, connectivity gaps and rising demand for employment opportunities, this commitment marks a turning point in London’s growth strategy.
Khan’s intervention on social media underscores the significance of this moment:
I’ve long called for the DLR extension to Thamesmead to become a reality. The government’s backing is a big win for London that will boost jobs and help create tens of thousands of new homes for Londoners.
He added:
The DLR extension to Thamesmead is critical not just to stimulate new jobs and growth in our capital, but across the country.
These remarks are more than political messaging, they reflect nearly a decade of consistent pressure for meaningful investment in transport, regeneration and housing.
While previous administrations explored Thamesmead links in theory, it has been under Khan’s leadership that concrete proposals were advanced, feasibility work commissioned and regional support gathered. His consistent collaboration with TfL, boroughs, developers and community groups created the momentum necessary to bring this project back onto the national agenda.
Sadiq Khan’s tenure has often been defined by challenging external circumstances: a global pandemic, soaring inflation and prolonged funding negotiations with central government. Yet despite these pressures, he has maintained a clear focus on improving transport access and expanding opportunity for Londoners.
The DLR extension is a powerful example of this long-term, strategic approach:
- It unlocks 25,000 new homes
- Creates thousands of new jobs
- Connects one of London’s most isolated districts
- Aligns with climate and clean air commitments
- Supports new town planning and regeneration frameworks
- Stimulates wider economic growth beyond London
Few mayors have fought so consistently for large-scale, future-defining infrastructure. And fewer still have succeeded in pushing these proposals into the national spotlight until securing full Treasury support. Across the construction sector, many recognise that Khan has been one of the strongest advocates for London’s long-term infrastructure investment since the days of the Olympic build-out.
The new DLR link, stretching from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and beneath the Thames into Thamesmead, will reduce journey times dramatically, attract private investment and open the door to one of the most ambitious regeneration opportunities in the UK.
For the south-east of the city, this is not just a transport upgrade. It is the foundation for a new era of housing, employment, education and cultural growth.
While credit must be shared with the Treasury for recognising the value of the scheme, Khan’s leadership has clearly been instrumental. His persistent calls for the extension, backed by robust evidence from TfL and strong support across London’s business and community sectors, ensured this project remained impossible to ignore. In reality, this is the kind of partnership London has needed for years: strong mayoral vision paired with national investment.
Sadiq Khan’s advocacy for the DLR extension to Thamesmead marks one of the defining achievements of his time as Mayor of London. By securing support for a project that will reshape the future of south-east London, and help thousands of families access homes, jobs and opportunities, he continues to reinforce his legacy as one of the city’s most impactful and forward-thinking leaders.
London now moves a step closer to a fairer, better-connected and more prosperous future.
