The Bakerloo Line Extension is closer than ever to becoming a reality. At this year's London Real Estate Forum (LREF), the new leaders of Lewisham and Southwark councils joined Central London Forward and Transport for London (TfL) to renew the call for one of London's most important growth and transport projects.
At a packed panel session, How to get the Bakerloo Line Extension over the line, speakers discussed the momentum behind the project and what still needs to happen to deliver it.
The panel speaker were:
- Southwark Council Leader Councillor James McAsh
- Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava
- Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Transport Strategy and Policy
- Mark Williams, Director of Central London Forward
A stronger case than ever
Panellists agreed the case for the extension has never been stronger. It is now a major priority in the draft New London Plan. It would transform connections across south east London, attract investment and tackle long-standing transport inequalities in some of the capital's most underserved communities.
After years of planning, the political backing and strategic case are already in place. The key challenge now is securing the funding.
New routes to funding
Mark Williams said the "stars are aligning" for the project, thanks to new opportunities in financing. He pointed to growing discussion of fiscal devolution and to the Prime Minister's 'Rewiring the State' agenda, which explores how London could fund its own capital projects. Central London Forward, Lewisham Council and Southwark Council will share updated funding proposals later this year that reflect these opportunities.
Closing the transport gap
Both council leaders described the extension as far more than a transport project. They highlighted the transport gap their communities have faced for decades, from Old Kent Road through Lewisham to Catford, Sydenham and Downham. Better connections, they said, would link residents to jobs, skills and opportunities. The extension would also support new housing, drive investment and help build a greener, fairer London. They described it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that cannot be missed.
What happens next
Christina Calderato set out TfL's next milestones for the project:
- Later this year: announcement of a single preferred option
- Early 2027: public consultation
What they said
Councillor James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council:
"Too many communities in Southeast London are still cut off from the tube network. The Bakerloo line upgrade and extension would change that, connecting our residents properly to the rest of the capital, helping unlock 107,000 new homes and 150,000 good jobs, and accelerating the shift away from cars towards cleaner transport, helping us build an affordable, green borough. These benefits won't stop in South London, they'll be felt right across the city and beyond. The case for the upgrade and extension of the Bakerloo line is a no-brainer, and one our residents have been waiting decades for. We need the Government to give it the green light now."
Liam Shrivastava, Mayor of Lewisham:
"The Bakerloo Line Extension is about much more than transport. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect people in south east London to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital as well as attracting vital investment in the borough. It will help local businesses grow, support our town centres and make London fairer by ensuring people aren't held back by where they live. The extension would also take around 20,000 cars off the road every day, cutting congestion, improving air quality and helping us build a greener, healthier future. The Bakerloo Line Extension will change lives. It's not just good for Lewisham, it's beneficial for London and the rest of the country. The case for this extension has been clear for years. It is time for central government to finally agree the fiscal devolution necessary to ensure that London can finance this desperately needed project."
Mark Williams, Director of Central London Forward:
"The Bakerloo Line extension will support growth, unlock housing and connect communities across south-east and central London – benefiting all Londoners. The government have set out an ambitious programme of devolution to support growth in every postcode, this project does just that by spreading the benefits of the tube network to historically underserved areas. With the right devolution settlement this project can become a reality."
Back the Bakerloo
Want to see the extension delivered? Sign up to back the Bakerloo line here