A public inquiry opens next week into plans to extend the London Overground to Barking Riverside.
The proposals would provide a vital new transport link and support the creation of more than 10,000 new homes – up to 50 per cent of which are likely to be affordable – within the next 15 years.
The 4km extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking line to Barking Riverside would offer an alternative to car travel and link Barking Riverside to London’s public transport network.
From Barking, customers could connect with the District and Hammersmith & City lines, and c2c services to London Fenchurch Street and Essex.
The new London Overground service would operate along the existing Tilbury rail line then via a new section of railway, built as a raised viaduct, ending in Barking Riverside. A station would be built at the heart of a new district centre that would provide healthcare, shopping, community and leisure facilities.
Without a rail link, no more than 1,500 homes could be built as part of this new development.
The extension is fully funded. The majority of the cost is being met by the developers, Barking Riverside Limited – a joint venture between the Greater London Authority and London & Quadrant – and the remainder by us.
If the scheme is approved, construction could begin next year, with train services starting as soon as 2021.
Deputy Mayor of Transport, Val Shawcross, said: ‘The extension of the Overground will be key to the success of the exciting new developments at Barking Riverside, with a new station built alongside 10,800 new homes, shops and restaurants, and new school and health services.
‘As we have seen in other parts of London, the extended Overground line will be an integral part of ensuring regeneration benefits everyone in the community, with excellent transport links to the rest of London and the creation of new homes and jobs.’