Back the Bakerloo
The event was held with partners Southwark Council and Central London Forward, who were joined by MPs, the GLA and business leaders, and revealed the findings of a new impact assessment, that shows how extending and upgrading the line could unlock 20,000 homes, create 10,000 jobs and deliver a £1.5bn boost to the UK economy.
The upgrade would involve new trains and signalling, and the extension would add stops at Lewisham, Catford and New Cross Gate, continuing all the way out to Hayes via Lower Sydenham.
This would result in a train every two to three minutes between Lewisham and Central London, cutting journey times in half.
The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension has been long-planned by TfL, and it has overwhelming public support locally. The last TfL consultation showed those backing the extension outnumber those opposing it by over 14 to 1 in Southwark, Lewisham and Bromley, the three boroughs covered by the extension.
The impact assessment finds the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension would have a transformational impact on Lewisham and London, by:
- boosting the economy, creating 9,700 jobs, 190,000 sqm of new commercial floorspace, and generating a £1.5bn boost to the economy
- unlocking 20,400 new homes along the length of the extension – and supporting the delivery of many more along the existing route – to help tackle the housing crisis
- increasing capacity and reducing car dependence, with 150,000 additional public transport trips and 20,800 fewer car trips daily
- cutting journey times, with travel time from Lewisham to Piccadilly Circus cut from 31 minutes to 16 minutes and Catford Bridge to Oxford Circus from 35 minutes to 22 minutes
The project would make better use of existing tunnelling infrastructure, making it more cost-effective and less carbon intensive than other major infrastructure projects. The report also warns of the escalating risks of inaction – including a potential critical failure of the line. The Bakerloo Line has the oldest rolling stock in passenger service in the UK, with trains now 16 years beyond their intended lifespan.
However, the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension cannot happen without financial support from government.
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
“The Bakerloo Line is vital to unlocking the new homes, jobs and investment Lewisham needs and deserves. We’ve been arguing for the upgrade and extension for many years and this report sets out the clear benefits not just for Lewisham and London, but for the whole country. The Bakerloo Line is vital to Lewisham and London’s continued growth. Locally it would slash journey times and provide much-needed capacity at our busiest stations as well as the least well-connected parts of the borough. It would create tens of thousands of new jobs and homes, as well as make our capital city greener and more sustainable.
“The project has overwhelming support from local people and a wide range of businesses. There was real enthusiasm from those who came to our report launch in Parliament, and it was important to share its findings with people who help to lobby for and shape funding decisions. The message is clear - now is the time for the Government to commit to this vital project.”
Read the report, Moving London Forward: Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension.