TFL today announced further plans for the Bakerloo Line extension – but Southwark residents won’t be getting a new station at the Bricklayers Arms.
Southwark and Lewisham councils joined forces last week to back the Bakerloo Line extension, including a station on the Bricklayers Arms site, the junction between Tower Bridge road and the Old Kent Road.
Multiple residents’ groups held a public rally in support of a station at Bricklayers Arms roundabout last year.
However, the station has not been included in TFL’s final plan, because of “its close proximity to the existing Elephant & Castle and Borough Tube stations.”
TFL added: “The proposal for an additional station would also considerably increase the overall cost of the extension as well as make journey times longer.
“The proposed two stations on the Old Kent Road were carefully selected to maximize growth in jobs and homes to support plans for redevelopment in the area.
“TfL will work with the London Borough of Southwark to develop public realm improvements in this area.”
One of the proposed two Old Kent Road stations is likely to be built on the junction with Dunton Road and Humphrey Street.
‘Station 2’ is mooted to be placed on the former Toys R Us site near the junction with Asylum Road.
Plans are also being developed to move the Bakerloo Line platform at Elephant and Castle to provide an easier interchange for passengers and reduce crowding.
TFL said it continues to look at a proposed new Tube station at New Cross Gate including looking at ways “station construction can be delivered effectively while minimising any local impact.”
Southwark council said it was disappointed only two stations have been put forward for the Old Kent Road.
Cllr Johnson Situ, cabinet member for growth, development and planning, said: “I am pleased that the Mayor of London remains committed to the Bakerloo line extension. Southwark Council has been working with the Mayor and TfL to build the case for the extension, which will transform the lives of thousands of people who live and work around Old Kent Road and wider London.
“We welcome TfL’s decision to drop the proposals for a ventilation shaft at Bricklayers Arms and their commitment to public realm work, however we are disappointed with TfL’s proposal not to include a third station at Bricklayers Arms, despite strong local support from residents, businesses and the council.
“A station at Bricklayers Arms would help maximise the economic benefits of the Bakerloo line extension, re-building the area around the community, focusing on pedestrians rather than vehicles and help tackle air pollution. We will continue to make the case, alongside residents and businesses, for a station at Bricklayers Arms.
“As TfL have outlined in this report, the delivery of the Bakerloo line extension is dependent on securing the necessary funding for its construction, so it is vital that we continue to build the campaign for the extension and make the case to Treasury to ensure it is delivered.”
The campaign for the Bakerloo extension can be found at backthebakerloo.org.
The extension to Lewisham, which TFL said could support 25,000 new homes and 5,000 new jobs, could be completed by 2029, if funding is secured.