A NEW multi-million pound train station has finally been approved – 24 years after it was first proposed.
Construction of the East London station has been plagued by delays since plans were initially drawn up in 2002.
It took until just last week for the Housing Secretary officially to announce ‘a new Beam Park rail station could be accommodated within the existing rail network’.
The station will be built along the c2c line, running between Dagenham Dock and Rainham.
From there, the train will take just 20 minutes to reach London Fenchurch Street.
Developers have already committed a staggering £42 million to the project, but if delays continue, costs are expected to rise.
This comes as part of an ongoing redevelopment in the area – where 20,000 new homes are expected to be built by 2030.
So far, more than 1,100 homes have been completed and a further 1,200 are under construction.
Beam Park residents officially moved into the area five years ago, but have had to rely on local buses for transport.
The Greater London Authority, London Borough of Havering, and Transport for London said they will partner together to make the station a reality.
Ray Morgon, Havering Council Leader, added: “We have always said that we would do all we can to ensure Beam Park Station is built.
“The station is much needed for Beam Park and neighbouring Dagenham, which will enable housing and business growth in this key area.”
