TfL invites public feedback on DLR extension to Thamesmead

The proposal would extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, creating two new stations as a result.

The consultation period, with public feedback encouraged, opened today, February 5, and will continue until March 18.

This ambitious project could potentially unlock the construction of between 25,000 and 30,000 new homes along the route of the DLR extension in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and London Borough of Newham.

It would also directly support the creation of almost 10,000 jobs.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: "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."

He added: "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."

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "The DLR extension is central to the regeneration of Thamesmead and would transform the area, just like the Elizabeth line has done for Woolwich and Abbey Wood.

"This extension would support thousands of jobs and the delivery of up to 15,000 new homes in Thamesmead.

"We encourage residents and businesses to participate in the consultation and share their feedback on the proposals."

Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, added: "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."

The plans would create two new stations between Gallions Reach and Thamesmead (Image: TfL)

New public transport options, like this DLR extension, could support low-carbon developments in Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside, and unlock delivery of new homes along the extended route.

This will not only open up alternatives to private car use but also has the potential to lower future emissions and cut down pollution levels.

The extension would also support a UK-wide supply chain, supporting growth and job creation across the country and providing quicker journeys to other parts of east London.

READ MORE: TfL's new Superloop route SL5 between Bromley and Croydon

Funding for the feasibility work has been provided to date by a partnership of private and public sector bodies.

The next step is to agree on an affordable solution by 2025.

If everything goes as planned, construction could commence as soon as 2028 and the DLR extension could be customers by early 2030s.

The public can respond to the consultation on the TfL website.

TfL also plans to introduce 54 new trains - 33 of which would replace the oldest ones amongst the current DLR fleet.

They will also look into increasing the number and frequency of bus services in Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside.

This is part of the Mayor's plans to improve the bus network in outer London, with a new Superloop route, the SL3, also set to be introduced by spring.

The route, running between Thamesmead and Bromley, will become part of an express route network linking town centres, hospitals, schools, and transport hubs.