East London: TfL still planning new DLR station between Canning Town and West Silvertown, next to new tunnel

In 2023, plans for a Thames Wharf DLR station, which has long been earmarked to be built between Canning Town and West Silvertown station in the Royal Docks, stalled due to a lack of funding.

Transport for London (TfL) was responding to a Freedom of Information request from a member of the public when it said it could not progress with the plans as it needed government funding and/or a contribution from a developer. The proposed site exists next to the Silvertown Tunnel, which is set to open in a matter of weeks (April 7). While it still remains unfunded, TfL appears to be exploring if building the proposed station is still possible.

In a report that was published last week (March 5), it stated TfL has been working ‘collaboratively’ with a potential delivery partner and funders. Progress has also been made on updating the feasibility study for Thames Wharf, with a review expected to be finalised by next month (April 2025).

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Thames Wharf and several other projects are on a longlist which could receive funding from TfL’s Sustainable Housing and Accessibility Fund this year. Other projects include station upgrades to Pontoon Dock and Surrey Quays. The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached TfL for comment however a spokesperson said they had nothing more to add at this stage.

In 2018, a feasibility study for Thames Wharf was carried out by engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald and architectural firm, Weston Williamson + Partners on behalf of TfL. The study concluded that the station would be designed as a ‘simple portal structure’ with raised platforms that would provide panoramic views of the developing site and the River Thames. The study said at night time, the station would appear as a ‘floating lightbox’ that would act as a beacon and focal point for the area.