The leaders of Southwark and Lewisham councils have welcomed TfL’s response to the latest consultation on the Bakerloo line extension which reveals overwhelming public support for the scheme.
Southwark Council wants three new stations on Old Kent Road as part of the proposed Bakerloo line extension
Earlier today, Transport for London (TfL) published their response to the consultation undertaken last year (2019).
Southwark and Lewisham councils welcomed the response, which they say highlights the success of their boroughs’ joint Back the Bakerloo campaign aimed at getting the whole city behind the plans.
TfL’s response to the consultation revealed:
Nearly nine in ten respondents (89 percent) supported extending the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham along Old Kent Road.
This would dramatically cut journey times – with trains every 2-3 minutes – and connect growth areas across London with capacity for more than 110,000 new homes and 130,000 new jobs.
Four in five respondents (82 percent) backed a further extension beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.
This would support growth and regeneration in Catford and Lower Sydenham (both of which have some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country). TfL is now working up more detailed plans for how this this could be brought forward, including London Underground taking over the existing Hayes railway line.
Feedback from the consultation also informed TfL’s decision to continue developing their proposal for an improved entrance and ticket hall for Elephant and Castle’s Northern line station (which will provide a better interchange with the Bakerloo line) as well as the locations of construction work sites and the names for the new stations (including ‘Old Kent Road’ and ‘Burgess Park’).
Further south along the route, TfL is working closely with Network Rail to ensure upgrades to Lewisham station will also facilitate the future delivery of an integrated interchange station on the Bakerloo line extension.
In the report, TfL and the Mayor of London reaffirm their commitment to delivering the Bakerloo line extension, subject to agreement with government on the funding which will be needed to get the extension built.
The report also outlines their immediate priority to safeguard the land required for the route (an important milestone in which they’re currently in “constructive dialogue” with the Department for Transport).
Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said:
“We’re buoyed by the resounding support from Londoners who clearly share our long-held belief that the Bakerloo line extension is essential to transforming the lives of people living and working in Old Kent Road.
The benefits of the extension are abundantly clear: new jobs, new services and the key to unlocking 20,000 new homes in the area, including 7,000 genuinely affordable homes.
How long before the Government is ready to buy into the Bakerloo line extension as a shovel-ready scheme primed to help us Build Back Better?”
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham Council, said:
“Today’s fantastic results from TfL’s consultation shows overwhelming support for the Bakerloo line extension to Hayes from residents in Lewisham and Bromley.
It’s now more important than ever for this project to continue. The much-needed extension would connect Lewisham residents to jobs across London and bring huge growth to the local economy and vital housing for people living in Ladywell, Catford, Lower Sydenham and beyond.
The Bakerloo Line would transform public transport across Lewisham and support our Climate Emergency plans for reduced car use and increased active travel in the borough.
We need the government to work with TfL to secure this vital piece of infrastructure.
The Prime Minister has previously said, “we should get on with fantastic projects like extending the Bakerloo line”. We whole heartedly agree and will continue to campaign for this once in a generation scheme.”
For more information about the Bakerloo line extension – and to pledge your support for the project – visit the Back the Bakerloo website.
