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Reeves Poised to Approve £1.7bn DLR Link to Thamesmead in Budget

Treasury support would unlock TfL borrowing, positioning the link as the catalyst for major housing growth.

Overview

  • The Chancellor is expected to permit TfL to secure loans for the extension with limited government underwriting, with precise funding details yet to be published.
  • Construction is targeted to start in 2027 with services projected to begin in 2032, adding new stations north of the river at Beckton Riverside and in Thamesmead.
  • TfL’s route would branch after Gallions Reach, cross under the Thames via a new tunnel, and terminate at an elevated Thamesmead town centre station.
  • Treasury projections indicate the scheme could unlock up to 25,000 homes, around 10,000 jobs and nearly £18bn of private investment over the long term.
  • Journey times are forecast to fall to roughly 25–30 minutes to Stratford and 20–25 minutes to Canary Wharf, with Mayor Sadiq Khan publicly backing the plan as essential for regeneration.