Bexley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bexley Council urges TfL to shift the planned DLR extension’s terminus from Thamesmead to Belvedere, aiming to boost local transport connectivity.
Through the construction of two additional tunnels and a new station at Beckton Riverside, the proposed DLR extension would connect the line from Gallions Reach in east London to Thamesmead on the south bank of the river. Although it is not currently planned, the Thamesmead station is being designed with the possibility of an expansion towards Belvedere in mind.
In the ongoing conversation with TfL, Bexley Council is now pushing companies and residents to take the extension of the line to Belvedere seriously as part of their preparations.
Before TfL applies to the government for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), which gives TfL the legal authority to construct the railway, the present consultation is the last step. Getting the planning and legal documents in order guarantees that construction can begin as soon as the funds are approved, even though the funding has not yet been agreed upon.
The first trains are anticipated to arrive in the early 2030s, with construction scheduled to begin in 2028 if permitted.
TfL’s choice to end the DLR in Thamesmead rather than “pursue a more ambitious extension to Belvedere is considered a major missed opportunity to unlock significantly more housing and employment growth in the area,” according to Bexley Council’s public response to the consultation.
Since those projections were created, the numbers will have increased.
Although adding the extension now would probably cost far less than doing so later, it would be challenging to get the government to approve the longer extension at a time when capital investment funds are limited unless developer funding is available or there is an expectation that the extension will result in significantly more housing being provided.
In order to close the financing gap, the main concern is whether Bexley Council can obtain sufficient funds by permitting real estate developers to construct apartment complexes near Belvedere station.
Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said:
“We are calling on TfL to once again consider the extension of the DLR to Belvedere and would urge local people to do the same. The extensive plans they are considering end at Thamesmead. To end at Belvedere would make much more sense and have a massive boost to the area in terms of jobs and housing and connect a large industrial area to central London as well as potentially making the whole scheme more affordable through greater fare income.”
To “close the gap” between Thamesmead and Belvedere station in the interim, the Council believes there is a chance to extend either the current SL3 Superloop service or the proposed new SL11 Superloop service to Belvedere, much like the new BL1 “Bakerloop” service reflects the proposed Bakerloo Tube Line extension.
What are the main reasons Bexley Council prefers extending DLR to Belvedere?
Extending to Belvedere would provide a significant economic boost by connecting a large industrial area to central London, supporting job growth and housing development in the borough.
Belvedere currently has poor direct rail links to central London, with only four trains per hour, making travel unreliable and inconvenient for residents. The DLR extension would greatly enhance public transport options and reduce the need for changes or reliance on bus connections.
Bexley Council’s transport strategy emphasizes development in well-connected areas. Belvedere is seen as an area with growth potential that is currently under-served.