Our favourite trains to pretend to drive on, some of which now do have actual model control panels and may even potentially get toy steering wheels, could be getting an extension in the near future. Transport for London has revealed their plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead – an area in much need of getting some transport links.
Talks and plans to extend transport to the area have been ongoing for a while, but news that TfL has begun a consultation on the extension suggests that the ball is rolling now.
The proposed extension would take the DLR to Thamesbead by way of Beckton Riverside where a new station will be built and connect two Opportunity Areas ( identified in the Mayor’s London Plan as key locations with potential for new homes, jobs and infrastructure of all types) with four development sites. A tunnel under the river for the DLR to pass through will also be built. There is a potential to create between 25,000 to 30,000 new homes at the development sites of Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, which would benefit from being linked to the DLR.
The first official public consultation is now being held, it will be open until March 18. Funding is still to be approved and the plans are focusing on making the extension affordable. If funding is approved soon, construction would be able to begin as early as 2028 with passengers being able to use the extended DLR from the early 2030s.
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.
“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.”
If you want to take part in the consultation, head here.