Cllr Anthony Okereke, recently elected Leader for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cllr Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader of Royal Greenwich, met with Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of the London Borough of Newham, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, and Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, on Friday 24 June in Thamesmead.   

Transport for London (TfL) is currently working on the feasibility of a proposed extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, following the confirmation of the new Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF).     

Peabody, the historic housing association and majority land-owner, outlined its vision for Thamesmead Waterfront. Transforming the 100 hectare site with up to 15,000 new homes, 55 hectares of open space, shops, schools, leisure and cultural facilities.  

As well as an extension to the DLR, TfL has also been working out the practicalities of the possibilities of a new bus transit corridor between Woolwich and Abbey Wood, which would be segregated from general traffic and run in its own lanes for as much of the route as possible.   

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:    

“The Royal Borough of Greenwich and the London Borough of Newham share many of the same objectives. I look forward to collaborating with the Mayor of Newham, as well as Abena Oppong-Asare MP, and our partners to bring forward essential transport links to an area that has so much potential to offer.    

Cllr Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader for the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:   

“Having represented Thamesmead for eight years I am well aware of how crucial better transport links are for the area. SE28 is the only postcode in London without a train station. We’re already seeing how the Elizabeth Line is benefiting Woolwich and Abbey Wood and we need to bring these benefits to Thamesmead too.”    

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:   

“The residents of Erith and Thamesmead deserve the benefits of transport connectivity that many others across London already enjoy. For too long, Thamesmead has been left off the transport map. Extending the DLR to Thamesmead would unlock significant new housing on both sides of the river and would open up access to work and educational opportunities for my constituents.   

“Now is the time for the Government to commit to this project, back it with proper funding, and get on with building the DLR extension to Thamesmead.”   

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said:  

“A DLR extension from Gallions Reach in Newham to Beckton Riverside, and across the river to Thamesmead, would be transformative for the area, considerably improving access to public transport in both boroughs and helping people access jobs, education and culture across London with the potential for thousands of new homes on each side of the river. City Hall will continue to work with TfL, the boroughs, Homes England and key landowners to develop a strong business case for this extension. 

“Investment in the capital’s transport infrastructure can help to improve the lives of Londoners and support businesses. This lies at the heart of the Mayor’s vision to build a better London for everyone – a city that is greener, fairer, healthier and more sustainable. Investing in our transport network is also crucial to supporting the economy in London and across the UK. We will continue to call on the Government to work with us to agree a fair, sustainable, long-term funding deal for TfL – for the benefit of London and the whole country.”