London’s favourite drive-yourself rollercoaster network, the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is nudging its way to potentially being extended in the near future, with plans taking the teal-blue line to Beckton Riverside, then along a viaduct to Thamesmead. It would be the first time either area would have direct rail services.
Open since June 23, the final consultation is open to the public, after launching an initial proposal last February.
The proposal seeks to extend the existing Beckton branch of the DLR, splitting at Gallions Reach, stopping at two new stations: Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. The expansion hopes to delivers faster journey durations of around 25 minutes to Stratford, around 30 minutes to London Bridge, and around 35 minutes to the West End (Tottenham Court Road).
The first official public consultation, held last year, emphasised that connecting these two key areas would unleash the potential to build up to 30,000 new homes, reduce dependency on cars, offer easy interchanges with the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines (across Stratford, Canary Wharf, and into central London), and support up to 10,000 jobs.
Funding is pending approval, with plans primarily focusing on making the extension affordable. If approved, construction would be able to begin as early as 2028, with the extended service beginning runs from the early 2030s.
Where exactly will the stations be if the DLR extension goes ahead?
Beckton Riverside
The new proposed Beckton Riverside station would sit on an unoccupied plot down from Armada Way, opposite Gallions Reach Shopping Park, forming a purpose-made town centre. The station would be fully accessible, with ground-level, step-free access.
Platforms would be connected by a covered footbridge, heading to lifts and stairs, with public access to connect areas bisected by the development. One of the station entrances would connect to Armada Way, enabling a new DLR interchange with foot and bike pathways, plus access to local bus routes 262, 366 and N551.
Thamesmead
TfL propose building this new station at Cannon Retail Parks’ site, which, at present, has a few retail units and car parking spaces. The potential new station would be located at Thamesmead Waterfront, part of a 100-hectare site proposed regeneration site. This opens the potential for thousands of new homes and jobs by enhancing the current town centre.
The new station would be atop an elevated viaduct, with stairs and lifts found at both platform ends. The station would be fully accessible, with step-free access provided from street and train. A specially-created entrance at Central Way, a major artery for buses, would create a new interchange between local buses and the DLR.
How can I have my say on the DLR extension?
If you want to take part in the final consultation, head here. It closes Sunday August 17.