There’s many a vital UK infrastructure project which has faced barriers to delivery, be that due to cost, planning, capacity to build, or a combination of all of the above. There are only a few, however, who can say their importance has been discussed for more than a century.
But such has been the case for proposals to extend the London Underground’s Bakerloo line – a project which would unlock sites for thousands of new homes, provide fresh opportunities for businesses, and pay for itself in a matter of years thanks to the economic activity it would unleash.
That’s why we are throwing our weight behind the Business for Bakerloo campaign, with the support of BusinessLDN.
Business for Bakerloo is the coalition of business voices whose mission is to call for a full Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension, or BLUE for short, which is vital for economic growth in London and the wider UK alike.
The BLUE will extend the Bakerloo Line beyond Elephant & Castle to Lewisham, followed by a second phase taking it down to Hayes in Bromley. This will also free up capacity at London Bridge and improve connections with new stations along Old Kent Road.
It’s also good news for jobs outside of London: new trains will be built in Yorkshire, supporting quality jobs in supply chains outside of the South East.
It might also surprise you to learn that works on BLUE have already begun. The major redevelopment of Elephant & Castle’s town centre, led by Delancey – which features an impressive new integrated ticketing hall – has already built the tunnel connection to the Bakerloo Line extension.
At the launch event, we made clear our ambition to support government at all levels. We are aligned with the Chancellor who wants growth, the London Mayor who wants growth, the Boroughs who want growth, and other businesses like ours that want growth. But this can only be achieved with enterprise – and we must nurture that spirit in London. The BLUE – which will support businesses of all shapes and sizes, from Harrow to Hayes – is vital for London’s, and the UK’s, growth.
But whilst the Business for Bakerloo campaign may be a private sector initiative, the BLUE will play a critical role in helping the Government successfully deliver on its commitments. It will unlock 107,000 new homes, create 150,000 jobs, and generate £1.5bn in additional economic value each year. As TfL’s Strategy Officer Alex Williams reminded us: ‘you will not get anywhere near that unless you invest in infrastructure.’
Councillors Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, and Mili Patel, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, spoke about the BLUE’s ability to unlock 65,000 jobs in each direction, connecting people – often from the most deprived areas of London – with better opportunities. But Patel pointed out that ‘the local government cash pot can only stretch so far.’ A closing speech by Seb Dance, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, showed us all that the political voice is aligned with that of business.
This is why the Business for Bakerloo campaign is vital to drum up support amongst businesses. A similar campaign in the 2000s helped get Crossrail started and our efforts look to get the BLUE agreed in the 2020s.
We need the BusinessLDN network’s support – we need you to demonstrate your commitment to the cause with financial backing to get the BLUE underway. Your support will ensure that the BusinessForBakerloo campaign continues to push for a BLUE that supports British business.
With the Government kicking off its latest major spending review, and a reassessment of capital commitments via a new integrated national transport strategy, now is the time for businesses to come forward and make the case for the BLUE. We’ve waited more than 100 years for delivery – it’s time to turn words into action.