FAQs
When could an extension be open?
We are in the early stages of planning, but subject to funding and achieving planning permission to build the scheme, the extension could be open in the early 2030s.
How much could an extension cost?
We are in the early stages of planning for the proposed extension. We think it could cost around £1bn (2022 prices), however this is subject to further design work and understanding how the extension could be built. If we decide to continue our plans for the extension following the feedback to this consultation, identifying how much the scheme could cost is a key part of our work.
Is any of this funded?
The proposed DLR extension is currently unfunded. A project of this size means that external support would be required. The work we have done so far has been funded by TfL and borough and developer delivery partners. We are looking at a funding and financing strategy for the project, which would likely draw on funding from the private and public sector, including TfL, local and regional sources. This review will also look at how we can make the project more affordable so that it could be delivered quicker.
Where exactly would the stations be built?
We are in the early stages of this project and right now are asking for feedback on the work we have done so far. We would like to hear your views on our preferred option of an extension of the DLR, and we are still working on the potential station locations and designs. Principally though the stations would need to be in the best location in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront to provide accessible and improved connections and transport journeys for customers.
Following our review of your feedback to this consultation and subject to Government funding, we would do further work developing the scheme and there will be opportunities to comment on these aspects.
When could the bus transit in Thamesmead start running?
We are in the early stages of planning but the bus transit scheme could be developed more quickly than the proposed DLR extension. Subject to a consultation at a later stage and any feedback from this that changes our proposals, it could be delivered during 2026.
Why isn’t a road bridge one of the options you considered?
We believe that the best and most appropriate way to maximise the opportunity for new homes and jobs in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead is through public transport. This is also supported in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which prioritises public transport-based crossings.
What about a further extension into Bexley?
We have considered several options for an extension of the DLR, including potential onward extensions from Thamesmead to locations in Bexley, such as Belvedere.
Given the scale of costs, serving Thamesmead is the key priority due to the lack of direct rail transport. We could design the scheme so it could be extended at a later date subject to funding and justification of benefits.
How does this impact on proposals to extend the Elizabeth line to Ebbsfleet?
Local authorities in London and north Kent carried out a consultation to look at options to improve transport connectivity and capacity to support the development of new homes and jobs in the area. This includes considering options for potential future extensions of Elizabeth line services from Abbey Wood to Northfleet/Ebbsfleet and Gravesend, or from Abbey Wood to Dartford. The C2E Partnership submitted the consultation information to Government as part of their Strategic Outline Business Case submission.
Should any decision be made to extend the line, wider discussions would need to take place with Government on how this would be funded.
The route to extend Elizabeth line services from Abbey Wood to Hoo Junction in Kent was safeguarded as part of the Crossrail Bill.
Why have you mentioned the Thames Gateway Bridge?
The land safeguarded by Government for the previously proposed Thames Gateway Bridge includes part of the development sites at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront. This conflicts with the vision for new homes, jobs, and high-quality town centres in these areas, and if safeguarding is kept in place would potentially limit the transformational opportunity presented by the proposed DLR extension.
Safeguarding is a planning process which protects land required to build new transport infrastructure from incompatible development. Although there are now no plans to deliver a road crossing in this location, the land needed to build this bridge remains safeguarded by Government to stop other development taking place that would have prevented the future construction of the bridge. If, following this consultation, it is decided to take forward the DLR extension, we will explore with the Department of Transport and affected London Boroughs whether to remove this safeguarding to allow for development of the land.
Are there plans in place for the development of Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead?
The proposed DLR extension would transform Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, potentially supporting the delivery of up to 25,000 to 30,000 new homes. The vision for the growth of these areas is set out in the Royal Docks & Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework’s (OAPFs). These documents were developed in partnership between the GLA, Newham and Greenwich, and represent the first stage in planning for significant numbers of new homes and jobs, improved infrastructure, and access to local services.
As the Local Planning Authorities for Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, Newham and Greenwich Councils are reviewing their Local Plans to include more detail from the visions in the OAPFs. As any plans for new housing and other development will require planning permission, future planning applications will need to be developed in response to these documents. Future proposals for these sites will be developed by landowners including the Thamesmead Waterfront Joint Venture abrdn and St William.
