Consultation launched on Thamesmead DLR extension

Transport for London (TfL) has opened a second public consultation on plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) across the River Thames from east to south-east London.

The proposals would see the service extend from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via the Beckton Riverside.

It would include two new stations - one at Beckton Riverside and another at Thamesmead Waterfront with a tunnel built under the River Thames to connect the two.

TfL claims journey times from Thamesmead could be cut to about 25 minutes to Stratford and 35 minutes to Tottenham Court Road.

It says the scheme could unlock up to 30,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs, and estimates an economic impact of £15.6bn

Alex Williams, TfL's chief customer and strategy officer, said the case for the extension "is clear as it provides a crucial opportunity to create new homes, jobs and economic growth".

He urged the public to give their feedback on the plans.

The consultation follows a previous exercise in 2024, when 75% of respondents supported the proposals, according to TfL.

Additional polling showed 85% of residents in the area backed the plans.

The scheme is being developed with the Greater London Authority, Greenwich Council, Newham Council and several major landowners.

A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: "Thamesmead is the only London postcode without a direct train link, and our residents deserve the same connectivity as the rest of the capital.

"As we've seen with the Elizabeth Line in Woolwich, a new station could reimagine Thamesmead."

In a letter to the mayor of London earlier last week, the transport secretary said the government "recognises the potential housing and economic growth" that could be stimulated by extending the DLR to Thamesmead via Beckton but stopped short of committing any new money.

TfL and the Greater London Authority (GLA) are expected to finalise a full business case and funding plan by autumn 2025.

In the consultation document, TfL said funding for the scheme was not yet in place, and it was working with the GLA, local authorities, developers and government partners "to explore potential private and public sector options" for funding the scheme.

Subject to planning approval and funding, construction could begin in the late 2020s, with services running by the early 2030s.

The consultation runs until 17 August.

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