09.08.17
Overground extension to Barking Riverside given green light
An extension of the London Overground to Barking Riverside has this week been announced by Transport for London (TfL) and the Department for Transport (DfT).
The extension will also unlock the building of 10,800 new homes, and the first services are expected in late 2021, with construction set to start in summer 2018.
The 4.5km extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Line is also fully funded, with £172m of the £263m cost of the scheme being footed by developers, Barking Riverside Limited.
TfL will meet the remainder of the cost for the project through its Growth Fund, which supports projects that have a direct impact on unlocking housing and employment growth.
“This is wonderful news for east London,” said mayor of London Sadiq Khan. “Barking Riverside has huge potential to deliver thousands of much-needed affordable homes, and the extension of the Overground will ensure residents have the high-quality transport links they need, both to the surrounding area and commuting into central London.
“Barking Riverside will deliver new homes, schools, healthcare facilities and much more, and the Overground extension is a vital part of making these exciting plans a reality.”
And Alex Williams, TfL’s director for city planning, added: “Being given the green light by government for this London Overground extension is fantastic news for the Barking Riverside development, helping breathe new life into the area and enabling up to 10,800 vital new homes, along with the creation of new healthcare and leisure services.”
Matthew Carpen, project director of Barking Riverside London, described the announcement as a “momentous moment for the project”.
“Gaining formal consent from the government for the Overground Extension to Barking Riverside is not only a huge milestone for the development but also crucial in connecting this new neighbourhood to the City, which will support the delivery of 600 homes a year,” he explained.
“It is a result of true partnership working between Transport for London, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Barking Riverside London’s shareholders L&Q and the GLA.”
Last year, TfL also revealed the shortlist of companies who are competing to deliver the project. Today’s announcement also follows news at the end of last month that the public had given its backing to an extension of the Bakerloo Line.
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