A big part of these plans is an extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to improve transport connections to this part of Thamesmead.
We’ve already seen the difference the Elizabeth Line is making at Abbey Wood. In the summer Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Cllr Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, met with Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of the London Borough of Newham, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, and John Lewis, Peabody’s Executive Director for Thamesmead (pictured above), at Beckton Riverside to discuss better transport links for the town.
We outlined our 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.
Cllr Anthony Okereke said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich and the London Borough of Newham share many of the same objectives. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to bring forward essential transport links to an area that has so much potential to offer.”
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP, added: “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.”
Seb Dance, said: “A DLR extension from Gallions Reach in Newham to Beckton Riverside, and across the river to Thamesmead, would be transformative for the area.”
John Lewis, Executive Director for Thamesmead, added: “It’s important all the different parties dedicated to the advancement of Thamesmead work together to get the town the transport links it deserves. By all coming together like we’ve done today and presenting a united front we are really increasing the chances of that happening."
