A major boost has been secured for the long‑anticipated West London Orbital (WLO) rail scheme, with Transport for London (TfL), four west London boroughs, and the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) agreeing to jointly commit up to £6.65 million to propel the project into its next crucial stage. This includes £400,000 from the Mayor of London’s 2026/27 budget, reflecting strong backing at the highest level.
The funding will support detailed design, modelling and public consultation for the proposed orbital rail link, which would transform travel for communities across west and northwest London by opening up new connections to employment hubs, regeneration sites and major interchanges including the London Overground, Elizabeth line, National Rail and HS2.
Transformative new link on under‑used freight lines
Known as the West London Orbital, the route would introduce a new passenger service on largely under‑utilised freight lines. Up to six trains per hour would serve key growth locations including Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow.
The scheme includes a mix of new and upgraded stations. A full consultation later this year will present proposals for four new stations at:
- Old Oak Common Lane
- Neasden
- Harlesden
- Lionel Road
Unlocking homes, jobs and economic growth
The West London Orbital is positioned as a catalyst for regeneration, supporting more than 25,000 new homes and 11,500 new jobs, and delivering an estimated £300 million in benefits within its first decade of operation.
By improving orbital links across west London and strengthening connectivity to the future Old Oak Common superhub, the WLO would enable faster north–south journeys, including quicker access to Heathrow. Improved public transport could also remove 650,000 car trips each year, supporting London’s net‑zero ambitions.
As with other newly named London Overground lines, the WLO will undergo a community‑driven naming process that reflects local heritage and London’s diverse culture.
Funding breakdown and programme timeline
The £6.65 million package is split evenly between TfL and the partner boroughs:
- Barnet
- Brent
- Ealing
- Hounslow
alongside OPDC, which has overseen regeneration in the Old Oak and Park Royal area since 2015.
TfL’s 50% share will be delivered across the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years.
The investment will:
- Finalise station, junction, signalling and power options
- Model how the new service integrates with existing rail operations
- Assess environmental impacts and refine demand forecasts
- Build further evidence of housing, jobs and economic uplift
Public consultation is scheduled for summer 2026, ahead of a late‑2027 decision on whether to pursue a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO).
Leaders voice strong support
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said:
"I’m pleased and proud to bring partners together so we can deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and northwest part of the capital. Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help drive regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but across our great city. I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities unlocked by this innovative rail project as we continue building a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone."
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL, said:
"The West London Orbital has the potential to transform how people travel across west and northwest London. This funding allows us to take the next major step in developing the scheme, working closely with boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to build a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery. Improving orbital connections will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport."
Matthew Carpen, Chief Executive Officer, OPDC, said:
"We’re pleased to be supporting the West London Orbital, a project that will play a vital role in connecting communities and unlocking new opportunities in the region. As part of the wider transformation of Old Oak and Park Royal, this investment advances our vision for long term prosperity and inclusive growth in West London and beyond."
Cllr Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council and Chair of West London Alliance, said:
"Barnet backs the West London Orbital. By filling a major gap in the public transport network it will give our residents faster, more sustainable access to everything West London has to offer. We have already taken steps to receive the West London Orbital at Brent Cross West, the gateway to our new neighbourhood Brent Cross Town, ensuring even more people can benefit from the opportunities this major new development will bring and help us further unlock much needed new homes, employment and outstanding community facilities in the borough."
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:
"The Elizabeth line proved the point: build the connections and the growth will follow the line. The West London Orbital is a once-in-a-generation chance to do the same for Brent and our region.
Four postcodes along this route in Brent are amongst the most deprived in London, yet they sit on the doorstep of HS2 and Old Oak Common. With the right connections, places like Harlesden and Neasden can become a new economic powerhouse for our borough, unlocking thousands of jobs, new homes, and millions of pounds of investment for local people for decades to come.
Advancing to the next stage of development is an important milestone, and we’re pleased to see real progress on a project that will benefit our whole city as we work with partners to make it a reality."
Cllr Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, said:
"The West London Orbital is a welcome step toward an even better-connected borough. It would mean local people would find it easier to find work and training, by using a sustainable travel choice – helping us fulfil our ambitions of creating good jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and fighting inequality. We look forward to the project’s continued development."
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said:
"The faster journeys, boost to business, and thousands of new homes and jobs which the West London Orbital unlocks will bring huge benefits and opportunities for communities across Hounslow.
It will directly support the transformation of London’s Golden Mile, one of the UK’s most important creative and economic corridors, and strengthen links to key local destinations, including Hounslow and Brentford town centres, Brentford Football Club and the wider cultural and employment opportunities along the A4. We’re fully behind the next phase of development."
Image credit: TfL & iStock
