The route for the Bakerloo Line extension has been given protected status, meaning it cannot be built on by conflicting developments.
It comes after a consultation into the proposed extension of the tube route into Lewisham via the Old Kent Road revealed overwhelming public support.
The move would see two new stations created on the Old Kent Road – which appear likely to be called ‘Burgess Park’ and ‘Old Kent Road’ respectively.
The consultation also revealed support for a further extension of the route into Hayes and Beckenham Junction at a later date.
Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP, Neil Coyle, said the confirmed route was great news for the campaign to ‘back the bakerloo.’
“This brings the extension a big step closer and all eyes are now on the timeframe for delivery, with construction needing to start in 2024 to ensure the Line is operational on time, delivering greater transport accessibility for Londoners and a national economic boost in jobs and housebuilding too!” he said.
“This win-win after such devastating economic damage through covid and job losses is crucial to us all.”
The proposals had earlier this year suffered a setback after TfL declined to ask the Government to fund the multi-billion pound project in the near future.
As the News reported, TfL declined to include the extension on its funding ‘wishlist’ to the Government earlier this year as it would not be realistic.
However, officials say they are in “constructive dialogue” with the Department for Transport about funding the scheme.
If built, Southwark Council hopes to be able to build 20,000 new homes in the Old Kent Road area – but officials admit only around 9,000 are possible without the extension into Lewisham.
In a joint statement with other officials, council leader Kieron Williams said: “It is a hugely positive step that the Government is proceeding with safeguarding directions for the Bakerloo line extension, preventing premature development on sites required to deliver the project.
“Extending the Bakerloo line, delivered together with an upgrade of the existing line, would connect a historically underserved part of London to the tube network, whilst supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes and jobs.”
Post Covid 19 the world has moved on. Many more people will now be working from home. The numbers travelling is now going to be greatly reduced. Far better for TfL to improved disabled access to stations. Thousands of workers will be negatively impacted as direct services to Charing X and Canon St are withdrawn. Let’s save hundreds of retail job, prevent the lose of retail parks and essential services provided out out the Wearside depot and years of disruption to those who have to use the roads and bus services. Let’s flush the Waterloo extension down the loo!
Oh yes cant interfere with the massive social cleaning being carried out in Southwark
We need this extension ASAP
The extension needs to get going! How much more talking are people going to do? Just get on with it.
And Neil Coyle campaigned AGAINST another tube station at Bricklayer’s Arms. Whose side is he on?