Leading urban integration for London’s DLR Thamesmead Extension

29 January 2026

The UK Government's Autumn 2025 Budget confirmed support for the Docklands Light Railway Thamesmead Extension – a transformative project that will unlock opportunity and deliver sustainable growth for London and the UK. The extension will connect Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead via a new cross-river tunnel, unlocking two of London's largest remaining brownfield sites for regeneration.

As part of the Strategic Thamesmead Extension Partnership – led by Arup and Atkins Réalis – We Made That are proud to be playing a key role leading the urban integration of new transport infrastructure. Together with partners Ardent, BAM Nuttall, CJ Associates and ERM, we’re working closely with Transport for London to progress the Transport and Works Act Order stage of this vital scheme.

The DLR Thamesmead Extension will provide two new stations, one at Beckton Riverside and another in Thamesmead, with a tunnel built under the River Thames. Extending the DLR to Thamesmead will deliver much-needed new homes, new jobs, and quicker commutes – the building blocks for boosting growth.

“The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

The extension is expected to:

Connect Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead via a new cross-river tunnel
Enable 25,000 to 30,000 new homes and up to 10,000 jobs in areas currently underserved by public transport
Improve direct connectivity to central London, including via the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, reducing reliance on cars and lowering carbon emissions
Deliver a multi-billion-pound economic boost through regeneration, helping the UK meet its sustainable growth ambitions

For us, it's about creating opportunity and shaping a greener, more connected future for London that is well-integrated with new neighbourhoods. This announcement marks a significant step forward in delivering a project that will benefit communities for generations to come.

“Extending the DLR is a fundamental step towards delivering on London’s New Town location in Thamesmead. We’re delighted to be focusing on integration of the new stations and infrastructure with their surroundings, supporting homes and jobs in these ambitious new neighbourhoods.”

- Holly Lewis, Co-Founding Partner We Made That

Photos: Philipp Ebeling