In a significant move for the capital's infrastructure, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is poised to use next week's budget to announce funding for a major extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
The proposed £1.7bn project will see the DLR extended to the historically underserved area of Thamesmead in south-east London, a location long plagued by poor public transport links.
A Transformative Transport Link
The Treasury has confirmed the Chancellor's backing for the scheme, with a source stating it will "deliver much-needed new homes, new jobs, and quicker commutes – the building blocks for boosting growth, putting more pounds in pockets."
The extension will run from Gallions Reach, located near London City Airport, and will include a new station at Beckton before terminating in Thamesmead itself.
This new connection is set to dramatically slash journey times for residents. Currently, a trip from Thamesmead to the City of London takes about an hour. The new DLR line could reduce this to just 35-40 minutes. Commutes to Stratford, which currently take 45-55 minutes, would be cut to around 30 minutes.
Unlocking Homes and Economic Growth
The primary driver behind the investment is the potential for massive regeneration. The lack of adequate transport has long been identified as a key barrier to redeveloping the area's riverside sites.
The DLR extension is expected to be a catalyst, unlocking land for 25,000 new homes and facilitating the creation of up to 10,000 new jobs.
Furthermore, the project is anticipated to attract nearly £18bn of private investment into the Thamesmead area, providing a substantial boost to the local and national economy.
Cross-Party Support for the Project
The ambitious plan has received strong backing from London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan. He commented, "I’m really pleased that the government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead, something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities."
He described the project as a "win-win" and a "massive vote of confidence in London," highlighting its dual role in transforming travel and unlocking economic potential.
Thamesmead, perhaps best known for its brutalist 1960s estate featured in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, has been waiting decades for such a transport revolution. The budget announcement next week is set to finally set the wheels in motion.
