TfL has moved a step closer to delivering the DLR extension to Thamesmead as it has submitted a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to Government.
The SOC outlines the economic benefits of the DLR extension and the transformative effect it could have on the area.
Alongside the DLR extension forming the core part of the document, the SOC also includes a plan for improving bus transit within the area as well as improving infrastructure and unlocking development opportunities.
Under the business plan, DLR propose an extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. It would also build a new station at Beckton Riverside, connected to a new station at Thamesmead via a tunnel under the River Thames.
The proposed DLR extension would take learnings from the 2009 DLR extension which was extended to Woolwich Arsenal and also required tunnelling under the River Thames. The extension fuelled housing growth in areas including Woolwich, Canning Town, Pontoon Dock and West Silvertown.
TfL are partnering with several different partners on the scheme including Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG), London Borough of Newham (LBN) and property developers, Thamesmead Waterfront (a joint venture between Peabody and Lendlease), abrdn (formerly Aberdeen Standard Investments) and St William (a Berkeley Group company).
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Extending the DLR would unlock huge opportunities for London. It would support tens of thousands of new homes, deliver new transport connections, and boost the economy - supporting the creation of thousands of jobs. Investment in our transport network is key to building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for all.'
London's transport commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “This is a unique opportunity that we should not miss out on, with policy support in place at all levels, led by the Mayor of London, to deliver transformational regeneration and up to 25,000 to 30,000 homes over 30 years. By extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, we can deliver two new accessible stations, connect two major growth areas and four development sites in one go, bringing more housing, retail, leisure activities and unlocking more of London for those who live, work or visit the city.
“We’ve seen what can be achieved with investment in public transport bringing transformational change over the past few years with the Elizabeth line, the Northern line extension to Battersea and the London Overground extension to Barking Riverside. This Strategic Outline Case is the next step on the way to making this scheme a reality.”
Providing new transport options is at the forefront of TfL’s future plans and earmarked as a capital investment priority to help decarbonisation targets alongside asset and rolling stock renewals and upgrades.
Photo credit: TfL
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