The Government has selected the 100-hectare site as one of 12 new towns
The new town is expected to deliver thousands of new jobs(Image: BBC)
A significant new town could be on the horizon for southeast London, promising up to 15,000 homes plus a fresh Docklands Light Railway extension linking the area straight to the capital’s heart. The Government’s New Towns Taskforce report has named Thamesmead Waterfront among 12 locations across England being considered for new towns aimed at increasing housing supply.
The 100-hectare brownfield site is mainly owned by Peabody, which has partnered with Lendlease and The Crown Estate in a joint venture to reimagine the area as a thriving riverside neighbourhood featuring homes, employment opportunities and public amenities.
Thamesmead has been viewed for years as an area brimming with unrealised promise. Initially designated in the 1960s as a post-war development, earlier proposals were hindered by transport links, environmental constraints and planning difficulties.
In recent years, collaborative work between local authorities, the Mayor of London and Transport for London resulted in the 2020 adoption of the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework, establishing the Waterfront site as a priority for redevelopment.
Local backing appears strong, with surveys suggesting 85% of residents support the extension. A new DLR extension is viewed as crucial for realising Thamesmead’s full potential.
The SE28 postcode presently lacks any train or tube station, making the proposed connection a vital catalyst for future growth.
Transport for London (TfL) has already pledged financial backing for the scheme, which is predicted to generate a massive economic boost estimated at £15.6 billion when accounting for residential and commercial expansion on both banks of the Thames.
The project is set to produce as many as 30,000 new properties across both sides of the river, spanning Thamesmead and Beckton, establishing thriving new neighbourhoods complete with housing, employment opportunities, and community areas.
John Lewis, executive director Sustainable Places at Peabody, previously said: “It’s great to see the New Towns Taskforce give their vote of confidence in Thamesmead Waterfront.
“This 100-hectare site offers one of the largest and most deliverable opportunities for housing and economic growth in the UK – with the potential to deliver up to 15,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs, a new and expanded town centre, and outstanding open spaces on the southern bank of the River Thames.
“The right transport infrastructure has to be in place to make this scheme a reality. We will continue to work with TfL, partners and stakeholders progress the business case to government for the Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead – a link that would also unlock 10,000 homes north of the river. TfL estimates that this would have a total economic impact of around £15.6 billion.
“With certainty and partnerships in place, delivery at Thamesmead Waterfront can begin within this parliament. We look forward to working with the New Towns Taskforce to secure its future.”
Ed Mayes, executive director, Development, Lendlease, said: “At Thamesmead Waterfront we’re in the process of unlocking one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, which will deliver thousands of new homes, jobs and community spaces for local people.
“We welcome this announcement from Government and look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Thamesmead Waterfront meets its full potential.”