TfL consultation shows strong public backing for DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead as Government greenlights scheme

Transport for London’s (TfL’s) latest public consultation on proposals to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, demonstrates strong public backing, as Government in November confirmed support in its Autumn Budget. 

The consultation, held between 23 June and 17 August 2025, received 1,444 responses [1], and sought views on the proposed route, new station locations and how the extension could be delivered. 

Key findings include: 

• 76 per cent of respondents supported the proposed route from Gallions Reach. 

• 66 per cent backed the proposed station at Beckton Riverside. 

• 77 per cent supported the proposed station in Thamesmead town centre. 

Respondents welcomed the improved connectivity and economic opportunities the extension will bring, particularly for Thamesmead. Many also suggested future extensions beyond Thamesmead to Abbey Wood or Bexley. TfL confirmed that while the current focus is on delivering the Thamesmead extension, the design allows for potential future expansion. 

It follows a positive response to TfL’s initial consultation held last year, where 75 per cent of respondents said that the proposals would make journeys into the wider east and southeast London quicker [2]. 

The proposed Thamesmead extension will connect two Opportunity Areas and unlock major development sites, supporting the delivery of 25,000 to 30,000 new homes, creating 10,000 jobs, and attracting nearly £18 billion in private investment. A new station will be built at Beckton Riverside, with a tunnel under the River Thames linking to another new station at Thamesmead. This builds on TfL’s experience from the 2009 extension to Woolwich Arsenal, which delivered significant housing growth in Woolwich, Canning Town, and the Royal Docks. 

The UK Government confirmed its backing for the DLR extension as part of its Autumn Budget, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing measures enabling TfL and the Greater London Authority to secure funding for the project.  This underscores the Government and the Mayor’s commitment to unlocking housing in the capital and boosting economic growth both in London and across the UK. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “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. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally. 

“I look forward to working hand in hand with Ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.” 

Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said:  "This extension will transform connectivity in east London, unlocking thousands of homes and creating jobs while supporting sustainable growth. The strong public backing shows how vital this project is for Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, and we look forward to working with Government and our partners to make it a reality." 

Homes England Chief Executive Amy Rees CB said: “This collaboration is just one example of how local and national organisations are working together, combining their expertise and resources, to create thriving communities that don’t just have the homes but the infrastructure that people and places need to thrive and grow. 

“We are proud to work with local leaders, mayors and partners in this way in places up and down the country, to help everybody have a safe, secure place to call home within sustainable, flourishing communities.” 

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "The green light for TfL and the Greater London Authority to go full steam ahead with this project is yet another massive endorsement of Thamesmead’s potential from the Chancellor. This is something our residents have been crying out for and it’s exciting to think that the potential of the area as a sustainable new town – and a catalyst for growth in London – can finally be realised.  

"As the only London postcode without a train station, we owe it to Thamesmead to deliver this extension to the DLR. London’s future, 15,000 new homes to tackle the housing crisis, a vital boost to the economy, improving people’s lives and prospects – it all starts with Thamesmead." 

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: “This is a huge step forward for Thamesmead. For too long, residents have been cut off from the transport links that much of London takes for granted. The DLR extension will finally change that – opening up access to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital.” 

James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, said: “The extension is a practical step that will open up sites in Beckton that have been left unused for far too long.  

“With a reliable link in place, we can see the new homes, new jobs, and proper connections that this part of Newham has needed for years actually become deliverable. 

“This project has been talked about for a long time. Seeing it move forward now is an important step for the area and will make a real difference to how people live and work here.” 

The Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “The planned expansion of the DLR to Thamesmead is fantastic news, improving travel for Newham residents living in the south of the borough.  The expansion will enable transformative housing and economic opportunities through the Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside development schemes, unlocking up to 25,000 new homes and supporting up to 10,000 new jobs in two boroughs that desperately need both. 

“The expansion of the DLR will turbocharge our efforts to combat the Housing Crisis, through sustainable development – vital to the success of the London Growth Plan - and help us deliver an inclusive, green and innovative local economy which provides opportunities for all our residents in Newham.” 

TfL will continue working closely with Government, the GLA, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Newham, landowners, and developers. A further public consultation on the proposals is planned for 2026, ahead of submitting a Transport and Works Act Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport by the end of that year. 

A £23 million Government grant from Homes England will fund a new bus transit system in Thamesmead, transforming connectivity in the area. The proposed service will link Woolwich town centre and Abbey Wood via Thamesmead, providing faster, more reliable access to Elizabeth line and DLR stations. Designed with segregated lanes to avoid congestion, the scheme aims to support thousands of new homes and jobs, unlocking growth and improving sustainable travel options. Public consultation on the plans has already commenced, with the service targeted to launch by 2026.