With strong support from respondents, plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead are now moving forward.

Transport for London (TfL) has released a consultation report on the proposed DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside.

The report shows 58 per cent believe the extension will speed up local travel, while 75 per cent say it will improve journeys to east and southeast London.

The consultation, launched earlier this year, received 1,254 public responses and 29 from stakeholders, including transport user groups, businesses, environmental groups, politicians, and boroughs.

Additionally, polling in Beckton, Gallions Reach, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood showed 85 per cent support for the extension.

The DLR extension aims to connect two “Opportunity Areas”, promoting new homes, jobs, and infrastructure at four development sites.

Under the plans, new DLR stations will be built at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, linked by a tunnel under the River Thames.

Drawing on experience from the 2009 Woolwich Arsenal extension, this project promises similar benefits, such as housing growth in Woolwich, Canning Town, and the Royal Docks.

The DLR extension is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs and improve travel to areas like Stratford and the Isle of Dogs, with direct connections to central London.

TfL collaborates with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Newham, the Greater London Authority, and landowners like Peabody and Lendlease to support new homes, better town centres, and job access in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

They have submitted a Strategic Outline Case to the Government in 2023, with an interim Outline Business Case expected by spring 2025.

The project remains unfunded, requiring a funding strategy involving public and private sectors.

TfL aims to complete funding by 2025, start construction by 2028, and open the extension in the early 2030s.

As London faces significant growth, the DLR extension will support low-carbon development, enhance connectivity, and reduce car use, unlocking 25,000-30,000 new homes and boosting the economy.

Alex Williams, TfL's Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: "It is great to see support to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, which presents a crucial opportunity to boost connectivity by linking two major growth areas with two new accessible stations.

"We will now progress work on plans for the cross-river extension of the DLR, which could see customers benefit from the early 2030s, and continue to discuss funding options with all parties."