A new public consultation is now underway on Transport for London’s plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. This latest consultation now has more detailed information, including station designs, construction plans and environmental impacts, and will be open until Thursday 16th July.
As previously confirmed the extension would leave the current DLR Beckton line shortly after the station at Gallions Reach (which is the last station before the Beckton terminus) before heading towards Thamesmead Waterfront via Beckton Riverside.
In the proposals TfL are proposing the construction of two new stations as part of the extension. The first of these would be at Beckton Riverside, opposite Gallions Reach Shopping Park, as part of a wider redevelopment including homes, jobs, retail and community space. After the line goes under the Thames, the second station would be at Thamesmead Waterfront (considered as one of the Government’s New Town proposals).
Both Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside are among the largest remaining brownfield sites in London, but their potential is currently constrained because of the lack of direct rail links. And this is where its hoped the DLR extension will come in to provide a significant boost.
Although the plans remain unfunded, the Government confirmed their support during the Autumn Budget 2025. This included backing for a potential funding mechanism which has meant work can continue on the proposals.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m really pleased to be progressing our exciting plans for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, following Government backing in the Budget last autumn. This is something I’ve long called for – alongside London’s businesses and communities – because it will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of our city, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy across the capital and indeed the country. I encourage Londoners to have their say in this detailed consultation and help shape these game-changing plans as we continue building a greener, better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
The consultation also gives information on planned construction methods and potential impacts in local communities and the environment. A full Environmental Impact Assessment is also being undertaken by TfL.
Feedback from the consultation will be used to come up with the final plans, with an application for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) due in early 2027. All being well construction would be able to start in 2029 with the first trains running in the early 2030s.
- The consultation can be completed at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extension-consultation-3