Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new consultation to decide on plans to extend the city’s DLR service from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside.
The consultation, which will remain open from 5 February 2024 through to 18 March 2024, will decide on the outcome of the proposed project.
If successful, the project would also see the construction of two brand new stations at both Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, up to 30,000 new homes and an additional rail tunnel built under the river thames to facilitate the new stations.
“Extending the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside presents a crucial opportunity to boost connectivity by linking two major growth areas with two new accessible stations.
“This important public consultation will ensure we can get feedback from those who may benefit from the extension in future to help shape the scheme as we progress through to the next stages of planning.”
The project is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs for those in the capital, building on previous DLR works such as the extension toward Woolwich Arsenal, which also saw tunnels created beneath the River Thames with significant housing opportunities created in Woolwhich, Canning Town and the Royal Docks.
TfL and its partners submitted an initial Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to Government in 2023, outlining the benefits and transformative effects an extension to the city’s DLR might have on the area, and funding for the work has thus far been pledged by a partnership of private and public sector bodies.
“Although we have started a record-breaking 116,000 plus genuinely affordable homes and completed more homes of all types since any time since the 1930s, the demand for housing in London shows no sign of slowing down.
“I'm excited for TfL to launch this consultation - extending the DLR will unlock huge opportunities for London, support tens of thousands of new homes, deliver new transport connections, and boost the economy, supporting the creation of thousands of jobs. Enabling the infrastructure needed for the capital's growth is key to building a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
In addition to the extension, TfL will also be adding 54 new trains into operation, with 33 replacing the oldest trains currently running within the DLR fleet. The remaining 19 vehicles are set to be used to boost capacity and demand across the network, with a planned introduction date of 2024 through to 2026.
The public can respond to the consultation here.
