The numbers speak for themselves. Up to 25,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs waiting to be unlocked. A shovel-ready transport scheme with minimal delivery risk and immediate development potential. Yet the DLR extension to Thamesmead remains in limbo, awaiting a political decision that could transform one of London’s most underserved areas.
Our recent cross-sector roundtable with Transport for London (TfL), kindly hosted by Peabody and Lendlease, brought together business leaders, developers, local authorities, and civic advocates to explore how the business community can help realise the DLR extension to Thamesmead. The conversation reinforced what many already know: this isn’t just about connecting places – it’s about connecting opportunity.
As the Autumn Budget approaches, it’s hard to imagine a clearer win. The scheme delivers on housing, growth, productivity, and social equity priorities that span party lines. Confidence in its viability is high, backed by a strong cost-benefit ratio and TfL’s proven ability to execute major capital projects.
The housing proposition alone is persuasive. Developers are ready to start building as soon as the transport link is confirmed. This isn’t speculative development years down the line – it’s affordable homes that could break ground within months. The extension would also connect Thamesmead to employment opportunities across London – enabling low-carbon infrastructure, including heat network integration – and create genuine commercial and educational opportunities in a new town centre.
The political context inevitably shapes decisions. Regional investment balance remains sensitive, especially after recent Spending Review outcomes. But this perspective risks missing the broader economic logic. When value for money and rapid results matter most, backing proven delivery is the smart choice. The Government has acknowledged the scheme’s potential to deliver new homes and boost the economy, but has not yet committed funding. Instead, it has pledged to “work closely” with TfL and the Mayor as the business case is finalised.
What’s striking is the breadth of support. Boroughs like Newham and Greenwich are natural allies, and there’s an appetite for coordinated advocacy. BusinessLDN continues to champion the scheme, including through a recent joint letter to the Chancellor and planned media activity to maintain visibility and momentum.
Recent ministerial changes could open new dialogue opportunities, and there’s real value in inviting key figures to Thamesmead to see what’s possible first-hand.
Delivery planning is already underway, with early thinking on how to align construction with development timelines. The backing is there – all that’s missing is the go-ahead. The Government’s recent announcement earmarking Thamesmead as one of two sites in London suitable for the development of a new town provides further impetus to the DLR extension, as Thamesmead Waterfront is predicated on this additional connectivity.
The infrastructure is planned, the housing pipeline is primed, and the economic case is compelling. While other areas debate timelines and feasibility, here’s a community with everything in place except the final political commitment.
The DLR extension represents more than transport infrastructure. It’s a catalyst for the inclusive growth London needs – connecting not just stations, but opportunities to people who have waited long enough. The question isn’t whether this scheme stacks up. It’s whether decision-makers will back a ready-made solution when they see one.