TfL Bakerloo line extension, Southwark to Lewisham, backed by all London councils

London councils have backed plans to extend the Bakerloo line between Southwark and Lewisham.
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Proposals to extend the Bakerloo line between Southwark and Lewisham have received cross-party support from London authorities.

The line, which currently terminates in the south at Elephant and Castle, would be extended via the Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate if plans go ahead.

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A second phase of the extension beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction is also being considered. This could involve making the National Rail line via Catford to Hayes route a London Underground operation.

London Councils, a cross-party organisation that represents London’s 32 borough councils and the City of London, says the development could unlock over 110,000 new homes and 130,000 jobs across the capital.

Transport for London (TfL) and mayor of London Sadiq Khan have long wanted to make the plan a reality, while discussions with the government are ongoing.

LondonWorld recently revealed that TfL was restarting a piece of work connected with the extension design, in order to enter into discussions with potential developers.

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In the meantime, a rapid shuttle bus service is being explored that would be funded from local developments. Over £1.25m has been raised for the ‘Bakerloo Bus’ already, which would be accompanied by changes to make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians along Old Kent Road.

Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes & sustainable development, said: “The message from London is clear: the capital’s prosperity hinges on the Bakerloo line extension, alongside other key developments. It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The weight of all London councils adds to the mounting business case for a scheme set to kick-start our city’s growth sustainably.

“Despite brutal economic headwinds, it’s full steam ahead for Old Kent Road. It’s a neighbourhood helping tip the scales of London’s extreme housing crisis with affordable homes making up the majority of over 3,300 new homes.

“Over 30% are new social rent homes meaning families in desperate need of secure and suitable housing can plant proper roots in the area, benefitting from the investment in public services and community projects that new developments bring.

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“The Bakerloo line extension will supercharge this sustainable growth, with thousands of new homes people can actually afford.”

The first stage of the Bakerloo line extension plan.The first stage of the Bakerloo line extension plan.
The first stage of the Bakerloo line extension plan.

A TfL spokesperson previously said: “Extending the Bakerloo line and upgrading the existing line would connect an historically under-served part of London to the Tube network, while unlocking thousands of new homes that London needs and supporting new jobs.

“We remain committed to delivering the scheme when the time is right but are dependent on a long-term Government funding settlement. We are restarting a limited piece of work to confirm elements of the tunnel design, which we hope will enable us to have constructive discussions with potential developers along the route. We seek to continue to work with the Government on a viable long-term funding package so the project can be delivered in the future.”

In August 2022, the government agreed a funding settlement which provides TfL with just under £1.2bn of grant funding until the end of March 2024, or until TfL becomes “financially sustainable”.

Bakerloo line extension

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TfL says the route would have a frequent Tube service, improving journey times and offering better connections in southeast London and into central London.

The proposal is to:

  • Extend the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham
  • Build a new Bakerloo line ticket hall at Elephant and Castle
  • Take the route from Elephant and Castle along the Old Kent Road where two new stations are proposed
  • Create a new station at New Cross Gate to provide better connectivity to National Rail, Overground and buses
  • Improve the interchange station at Lewisham linking National Rail, DLR and buses

Consultations

Consultations were held by TfL in 2014 and 2017, and then in 2019 a more detailed proposal was put to the public, including plans for the route, locations of tunnelling worksites and the possible further extension to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.

Nearly 9,000 people responded to the consultation. TfL says 89% of respondents made “positive or supportive comments”, with 82% supporting a possible further extension to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.

In 2021, transport secretary Grant Shapps’ office issued directions to safeguard land needed to build the proposed Bakerloo line extension from future development.