DLR extension to provide 11,500-home Thamesmead boost

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will be extended under the river from Gallions Reach in Newham, to Thamesmead in south-east London, mayor Sadiq Khan announced this afternoon.

This extension will allow housing association Peabody to build a further 11,500 homes in its £1bn regeneration of the sprawling estates that make up Thamesmead.

Peabody had previously been pushing the government to grant the extension, which will allow it to proceed with plans to regenerate the north of Thamesmead.

The housing association had previously suggested it was willing to part fund a river crossing. Discussions regarding this are ongoing, with Mr Khan believed to be keen on third-party investment.

John Lewis, executive director of Thamesmead at Peabody, said: “Today’s announcement of a DLR extension to Thamesmead will enable Peabody and our partners to deliver 11,500 more new homes within a new affordable riverside community at north Thamesmead.”