The Royal Borough of Greenwich welcomes news that the Government is set to make a funding commitment for the extension of the DLR to Thamesmead as part of the Autumn Budget 2025.
The council has long campaigned for this truly transformative development for the borough – one which has been endorsed by both the Mayor of London and TfL. The council would like to extend its thanks to both, as well as the Government and its key partners such as Newham Council, Peabody and Lendlease, for their support, collaboration and acknowledgment that Royal Greenwich is where we get things done.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “In June’s Spending Review, the Government acknowledged the potential growth and housing benefits of extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead.
“We’re delighted to see this enthusiasm translate into real action, with the funding commitment to this vital project for our borough. For too long, Thamesmead has been the only London postcode without a direct rail service but this funding, which we’ve long campaigned for, means we’ve taken a major step in the right direction. We look forward to carefully scrutinising the funding commitment once the full details emerge.”
Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Regeneration, added: “Extending the DLR to Thamesmead will further underline its potential as one of the largest regeneration areas in London, with a focus on homes, jobs, schools, culture and green spaces. The Government has already recognised Thamesmead’s enormous potential by shortlisting it as one of 12 possible new towns. If granted, new town status, in addition to a DLR station, could see up to 15,000 new homes built for local people in our borough.
“Following the success of the Elizabeth Line and its impact on our own work to regenerate Woolwich, we can’t wait to get started on this exciting new chapter for Thamesmead.”
The extension of the DLR to Thamesmead is not solely about better transport infrastructure – it connects the rest of the capital with an area one giant step closer to having its housebuilding and wider economic potential realised. The council will continue to work closely with key partners and the Government to ensure that the momentum continues.