Potential DLR extension

The potential approach

We're looking at a package containing 2 key options for supporting new homes and jobs in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

1. A cross-river DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside

This would connect 2 opportunity areas and 4 development sites, including a:

• New DLR station at Beckton Riverside
• Tunnel under the River Thames
• New DLR station at Thamesmead

2. A bus transit scheme using dedicated infrastructure from Woolwich to Abbey Wood via Thamesmead

This would improve local connectivity and capacity in the wider Thamesmead area, including affordable, accessible and frequent connections to the Elizabeth line and DLR services.

The Government has now confirmed funding, subject to approval of a business case, towards this scheme. New infrastructure would support not just the bus transit route, but many bus routes in the area as well as improvements for people walking and cycling.

What a DLR extension and bus transit would bring

The DLR extension would encourage growth and opportunities for people who live in Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside. These include:

• Support for up to 25,000-30,000 potential new homes along the route
• Better connections across the river and reduced car dependency, helping to support mode shift towards more sustainable modes and lower carbon emissions
• Creation of up to 10,000 jobs and stimulated economic growth
• Improved direct connections to central London via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines
• Quicker journeys to other parts of east London like Stratford and the Isle of Dogs
• Improvements to the bus network serving Thamesmead
• Improvements walking and cycling network in the area

Mayoral support and initial work

The Mayor has expressed his support for the project in his Transport Strategy.

There's a unique opportunity with policy support at all levels. TfL and the GLA are working with partners to understand the full potential and support for this proposal:

• Royal Borough of Greenwich
• London Borough of Newham
• Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Homes England and the Department for Transport (DfT)
• The three major landowners - Lendlease and Peabody (part of Thamesmead Waterfront Joint Venture), abrdn (formerly Aberdeen Standard Investments) and St William (part of Berkeley Homes Group)

Next steps

We're working with these partners and Homes England to maximise local and regional funding. We're also finding ways to reduce costs and create efficiencies, but Government support is needed because of the size of the project.

We have submitted a full Strategic Outline Case to Government - we need a contribution towards funding the progress to the Outline Business Case stage.

Government capital funding would also be necessary to begin construction as early as 2028. This would enable us to open to customers in the early 2030s.