New London leaders unite to get shovels in the ground for the Bakerloo Line Extension
Councils with new administrations along with Central London Forward and Transport for London (TfL), renewed calls for one of London's most significant growth and transport projects at 2026 London Real Estate Forum (LREF).
At a packed panel session, How to get the Bakerloo Line Extension over the line, Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava, Leader of Southwark Council, Councillor James McAsh, Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, and Central London Forward Director, Mark Williams, told an audience of developers, property investors and planners about the significant momentum behind the project and what else needs to happen to make it a reality.
The discussion highlighted how the extension is a no-brainer, transforming connections across south east London, supporting the delivery of more than 100,000 new homes and 150,000 jobs, attracting investment and tackling long-standing transport inequalities in some of the capital's most underserved communities.
With the scheme identified as a major priority in the draft New London Plan, panellists agreed the case for the extension has never been stronger. After years of planning and development, political backing and a strong strategic case are already in place, the key challenge now is securing funding.
New council leaders, Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava and Councillor James McAsh spoke about the Bakerloo Line Extension as far more than a transport project, and made the strong case that it would connect people to jobs, skills and opportunities, support new housing, drive investment and help build a greener, fairer London.
Both leaders highlighted the long-standing transport gap affecting their communities from Old Kent Road through Lewisham to Catford, Sydenham and Downham, and the impact better connectivity could have on reducing inequality and unlocking sustainable and inclusive growth. They stressed that south east London has a major role to play in the capital's future potential and that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that cannot be missed.
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, reinforced the importance of the extension to London's future transport network. She outlined the next milestones for the project, including announcing their single preferred option later this year and a public consultation in 2027, bringing the scheme even closer to delivery.
Mark Williams, Director of Central London Forward, said the "stars are aligning" for the project with new opportunities in the financing space, pointing to growing discussions around fiscal devolution and the Prime Minister’s ‘Rewiring the State’ piece, exploring and how London could fund its own capital projects. He also highlighted that Central London Forward, Lewisham Council and Southwark Council are sharing updated funding proposals later this year, reflecting these new funding opportunities.
Councillor James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council said:
“Too many communities in south east London are still cut off from the tube network. The Bakerloo line upgrade and extension would change that, connecting our residents properly to the rest of the capital, helping unlock 107,000 new homes and 150,000 good jobs, and accelerating the shift away from cars towards cleaner transport, helping us build an affordable, green borough.
"These benefits won't stop in South London, they'll be felt right across the city and beyond. The case for the upgrade and extension of the Bakerloo line is a no-brainer, and one our residents have been waiting decades for. We need the Government to give it the green light now.”
Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava said:
"The Bakerloo Line Extension is about much more than transport. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect people in south east London to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital as well as attracting vital investment in the borough.
It will help local businesses grow, support our town centres and make London fairer by ensuring people aren't held back by where they live. The extension would also take around 20,000 cars off the road every day, cutting congestion, improving air quality and helping us build a greener, healthier future.
The Bakerloo Line Extension will change lives. It's not just good for Lewisham, it's beneficial for London and the rest of the country. The case for this extension has been clear for years. It is time for central government to finally agree the fiscal devolution necessary to ensure that London can finance this desperately needed project".
Mark Williams, Director of Central London Forward said:
"The Bakerloo Line extension will support growth, unlock housing and connect communities across south-east and central London – benefiting all Londoners. The government have set out an ambitious programme of devolution to support growth in every postcode, this project does just that by spreading the benefits of the tube network to historically underserved areas. With the right devolution settlement this project can become a reality.”
Find out more about the London-wide Back the Bakerloo campaign.