DLR could be extended to Thamesmead by the early 2030s, says TfL

An extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to reach Thamesmead could be built by the early 2030s if plans go ahead, says Transport for London (TfL).

The development would see a new cross-river DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside.

Thamesmead, built on former marshland on the south bank of the River Thames in south east London, is currently unserved by Tube, DLR, Overground and National Rail services.

The closest stations for the area are currently Abbey Wood, Plumstead and Belvedere.

TfL hopes improvements to public transport could enable the building of 25,000–30,000 homes in Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside.

If plans go ahead a new DLR station would be built at Beckton Riverside.

A new tunnel would be dug under the Thames to carry the line to another new station at Thamesmead.

TfL says it is working on how the scheme could be funded and delivered, and, subject to this, an application for consent could be submitted in 2026, with services operating by the early 2030s.

According to papers on the agenda for a board meeting on Wednesday (June 7), TfL plans to submit a business case to the government this month.

“We are intending to submit a strategic outline business case to central Government in early June 2023,” the report states. “Alongside this, we hosted both the Housing Minister and Minister for London on site visits to Thamesmead this year.

“Optioneering is at an advanced stage and includes a new cross-river DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. This would deliver a new DLR station at Beckton Riverside, a tunnel under the Thames and a new DLR station at Thamesmead.

TfL says the extension could bring a new bus transit to the area, which would provide a “quick and reliable service between Woolwich, Plumstead, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood”.

Based on a 2020 study, it is estimated that the extension, along with additional trains, would cost around £800 million to provide five trains per hour.

Funding for the extension is likely to come from a mix of local developers, local council borrowing and housing infrastructure funds, as well as a central government grant.

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