London's Most Deprived Area to Get Rail Link in £1.7 Billion Boost
The long-awaited railway link for Thamesmead, one of the UK's most deprived areas, is finally on the cards. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce funding for an extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at next week's budget, a move that could transform travel and regeneration in the area.
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Thamesmead has been without fixed public transport links for years, exacerbating its status as one of London's most economically disadvantaged areas. The lack of access to reliable transportation has hindered development and stalled plans for thousands of new homes and jobs in the area.
Reeves' backing for the DLR extension is a major boost for Thamesmead, with the line expected to cost £1.7 billion. The project will deliver much-needed public transport links, with trains from Thamesmead into central London potentially taking just 35-40 minutes – a significant reduction from current journeys of over an hour.
The new DLR line is expected to unlock land for up to 25,000 new homes and create around 10,000 new jobs, as well as attract almost £18 billion in private investment. London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, has welcomed the news, saying it will "transform travel in a historically under-served part of the capital" and "boost the economy not just locally but nationally".
The DLR extension is also seen as a major vote of confidence in London, with Khan praising Reeves' support for the project. The line will include a tunnel under the River Thames and a new station at Beckton Riverside, which will provide a significant boost to local regeneration efforts.
While other transport projects, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, remain uncertain, the DLR extension is a welcome injection of funding and momentum for London's most deprived areas. As Reeves prepares to announce the funding, hopes are high that Thamesmead will finally receive the public transport links it so desperately needs – and that this project will be a major step towards transforming the area's fortunes.
The long-awaited railway link for Thamesmead, one of the UK's most deprived areas, is finally on the cards. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce funding for an extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at next week's budget, a move that could transform travel and regeneration in the area.
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Thamesmead has been without fixed public transport links for years, exacerbating its status as one of London's most economically disadvantaged areas. The lack of access to reliable transportation has hindered development and stalled plans for thousands of new homes and jobs in the area.
Reeves' backing for the DLR extension is a major boost for Thamesmead, with the line expected to cost £1.7 billion. The project will deliver much-needed public transport links, with trains from Thamesmead into central London potentially taking just 35-40 minutes – a significant reduction from current journeys of over an hour.
The new DLR line is expected to unlock land for up to 25,000 new homes and create around 10,000 new jobs, as well as attract almost £18 billion in private investment. London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, has welcomed the news, saying it will "transform travel in a historically under-served part of the capital" and "boost the economy not just locally but nationally".
The DLR extension is also seen as a major vote of confidence in London, with Khan praising Reeves' support for the project. The line will include a tunnel under the River Thames and a new station at Beckton Riverside, which will provide a significant boost to local regeneration efforts.
While other transport projects, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, remain uncertain, the DLR extension is a welcome injection of funding and momentum for London's most deprived areas. As Reeves prepares to announce the funding, hopes are high that Thamesmead will finally receive the public transport links it so desperately needs – and that this project will be a major step towards transforming the area's fortunes.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's awesome that they're finally gonna get some decent transport links and all that jazz 
. But think about this - £18 billion in private investment? That's a lot of cash 
. What if the gov just gave it to them straight up instead of making it a public project? Would we be looking at 20,000 new homes and jobs popping up left and right 
? Maybe. But then again, private investors are good for the economy too... or so they say 
.
, this is like, super exciting news! A £1.7 billion boost for Thamesmead is gonna change lives, no cap 
. I mean, think about it, a 35-40 min train ride to central London? That's like, half the time of what people are currently dealing with 
. And let's talk about the new homes and jobs – we're talking up to 25k new homes and 10k new jobs 
. This is like, a major economic boost for the whole area, not just locally but nationally 
.
. It's like, we need to get our infrastructure on point so everyone can thrive 
. And Sadiq Khan's right, this is a major vote of confidence in London 
. I'm hyped for Thamesmead and the whole city 
!
I wonder if they're gonna make sure the trains run on time tho? I mean, £1.7 billion is a lot of cash but if people are still stuck waiting for ages, what's the point? And also, 25k new homes and 10k jobs sounds like a nice boost, but what about the existing residents who don't get to afford the fancy new flats? Are they gonna be kicked out or just given a chance to upgrade? 
I'm really happy to see Thamesmead getting some much-needed investment, especially when you think about all the new homes and jobs that'll come with it! The £1.7 billion is no joke, but I think it's a drop in the bucket compared to what this area needs. Still, every little bit counts, right? 
And I love how Sadiq Khan is hyping up this project as a major vote of confidence for London – it's gonna bring so much life and energy to that part of the city! 
Let's just hope it doesn't get lost in all the other transport projects... fingers crossed 
i think this is exactly what london needed, a boost to its most deprived areas 
can't wait to see the transformation unfold!
. I mean, Thamesmead is literally one of the most deprived areas in the UK and to see them getting a rail link is just amazing 
. We need more of these kinds of investments in our communities, especially in areas like Thamesmead where they're struggling the most 
. It shows that we value our citizens and are willing to invest in their futures. And let's not forget, a good transport system is key to unlocking all the potential of a city 
think it'll unlock all sorts of new devs & stuff but u know how these things go... fingers crossed Reeves doesn't mess it up 
, just think it'd be awesome if they did more.
. We need more of these kinds of projects to boost regeneration and create jobs, not just for the residents but also for the local businesses 
. It's about time the government invested in our public transport links. This £1.7 billion is a good start but we need more funding for other areas too 
, it shows he cares about the people who live and work there. We should be seeing more of these kinds of projects in other deprived areas across London 
. It will be interesting to monitor the impact on the area's regeneration efforts, particularly with regards to tackling poverty and inequality 
sadiq khan is all hyped up about it too, lol 
. Sadiq Khan's right on point saying it'll "transform travel" and boost the economy - I think we're all in agreement on that 
anyway, its cool dat sadiq khan & rachel reeves are gettin along & supportin each other