Overwhelming London-wide support for Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension
TfL’s proposed Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is a shovel-ready infrastructure project that will unlock the homes, jobs and economic growth London and the UK needs and significantly enhance connectivity across London.
The findings show that locally, 79% of Lewisham residents and 84% of businesses are in support, with only 1% of the public in opposition.
With parts of Southwark, and the entirety of Lewisham and Bromley currently excluded from the London Underground network, the project will break down long-standing transport and economic barriers. The new findings underscore this, with 57% of residents agreeing that the upgrade/extension would improve their ability to travel to work and 45% saying it would unlock new employment opportunities.
The findings show that better connecting North West and South East London could kickstart growth for our capital’s businesses, with 63% of businesses stating the project could enable their business to grow and more than half (52%) agreeing it could lead them to expand in the future. As well, many businesses acknowledge the increased footfall and anticipate higher productivity as a result of enhanced connectivity.
45% of residents said they would consider leaving their car at home for more journeys as a result of the new and improved line, further highlighting the project's potential to accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero, improve our air quality and free up our roads. Read the full findings.
The independent polling was conducted by Survation and Norstat and surveyed over 2,000 residents and businesses from London boroughs across the full proposed route (LIST). The polling was commissioned by Central London Forward, in partnership with Southwark Council, Lewisham Council, and Business for Bakerloo.
Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres said: “For too long, parts of Lewisham have been cut off from the Tube network—but the Bakerloo Line Extension changes that. This project has huge support from our community because it means better access to jobs, easier commutes, and real opportunities for local residents and businesses. It’s time to bring the Underground to Lewisham, Catford and beyond to supercharge connections across South East London, and deliver benefits that will ripple across London and the UK.”
Professor Frances Corner, OBE, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross said: "The proposed extension of the Bakerloo Line through Lewisham represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock jobs, growth and educational opportunity in our borough. As the third-largest employer in Lewisham, we know first-hand the difference better transport links will make for our students, our staff and the many local businesses we work with. Many of our students commute to our New Cross campus from across London. For those on lower incomes, faster, more affordable public transport is vital to accessing higher education and building a better future. The extension will also support our strong commitment to sustainability by helping more people make greener travel choices."
Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension
The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is a shovel-ready project which will deliver transformative growth across the UK, including delivering thousands of new homes and jobs, accelerating out net zero ambitions and injecting a £1.5bn GVA into the national economy each year.
This year, leaders, councils, businesses and partners across London have been urgently calling on the government to match London's ambition and commit to delivering the project in the upcoming 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy and by securing the project’s funding for the next three years in the Comprehensive Spending Review, both expected next month.
The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is not just a London project—it’s a national opportunity. A recent impact assessment highlights the significant nationwide benefits.