Government safeguards Bakerloo line extension route

The Department for Transport has announced the safeguarding of the route for the Bakerloo line extension.

On Monday, the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, issued directions to safeguard the route of the Bakerloo line extension from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road.

This protects the land required for the tunnels, alongside new stations along Old Kent Road, at New Cross Gate and Lewisham, as well as key operational infrastructure and construction sites.

The Safeguarding Directions follow on from a public consultation which showed that the extension had the support of nearly nine in 10 respondents, as well as from businesses and local authorities along the proposed route.

Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, and Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said in a joint statement:

“This is a major milestone for the Bakerloo line extension. The safeguarding directions will prevent premature development on sites required for the project and enable us to deliver this vital project when the time is right.

“Extending the Bakerloo line and upgrading the existing line will connect an historically underserved part of London to the Tube network, while unlocking thousands of new homes that London desperately needs and supporting new jobs.

“We will continue to work with the Government and others on options for funding so this scheme can be delivered and its many benefits realised.”

At least 9,000 new homes are due to be built in the Old Kent Road area by 2035 but – by ensuring the Bakerloo line extension is delivered – the council can increase this total to at least 20,000 new homes (and ensure they are built sooner, too).

Out of these 20,000 new homes, 35 per cent (around 7,000) would be affordable housing, including 5,000 at social rent.

For more information about the Bakerloo line extension – and to pledge your support for the project – visit the Back the Bakerloo website.