Extending the Docklands Light Railway 

Peabody is part of a public/private partnership supporting TfL with their proposals to bring the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead. 

TfL’s proposals involve extending the DLR to Beckton Riverside on the northern bank of the River Thamesmead and Thamesmead Waterfront on the southern bank. 

Why this matters 

Thamesmead Waterfront and Beckton Riverside are two of the largest brownfield sites in London – totalling 145 hectares – but they currently have no direct access to rail services. Without rail links, the opportunities for housing and economic growth that they bring cannot be realised. 

With an extension to the DLR, these two large sites could soon transform into thriving places – bringing up to 30,000 new homes; a wealth of commercial, cultural and leisure opportunities; and outstanding open spaces. 

The sites are in the heart of the London part of the Thames Estuary, the UK’s number one growth opportunity. Large scale development of here would catalyse further development in the east and south east London. 

Who supports it 

A recent consultation by TfL showed that 85% of people support their proposals for this new transport connection. 

This project is backed by the Mayor of London working in partnership with: 

• Royal Borough of Greenwich
• Mayor of Newham
• Peabody
• Lendlease
• abrdn and St William (part of Berkeley Group) 

Next steps 

Government funding is needed to deliver the scheme, alongside further contributions from other partners. With funding, construction could begin in the late 2020s, with the DLR operating and new homes built in the early 2030s.