London councils make a strong case for Bakerloo line upgrade and extension at London Real Estate Forum

3 October 2024

Southwark, Lewisham and Brent councils, along with Central London Forward presented a compelling case to upgrade and extend the Bakerloo line as part of London Real Estate Forum (LREF) on 25 September 2024.

Each year, LREF gathers thousands of leaders from across government, investment and development communities and this year’s iteration, themed ‘Reimagine’, was the first major property event after this summer’s general election.

During the Back the Bakerloo session, a panel discussion was led by the Leader of Southwark Council Cllr Kieron Williams, Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres, as well as Patrick Doig the Group Finance Director from TfL, Harriet Shone Director of London Communications Agency and Richard Palmer the Development Director from Delancey.

A new Back the Bakerloo campaign video was launched which further presented the considerable national benefits of the project.

The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension

The Bakerloo Line is an iconic part of the London Underground, and a vital part of London’s economic infrastructure. However, it is in urgent need of an upgrade and is currently at risk of critical failure or shutdown at any time.  

This key infrastructure project would involve renewing the trains and signalling and extending the line to Lewisham and eventually on to Hayes.

Upgrading and extending the Bakerloo line is the next big opportunity for London and the UK and would unlock over 107,000 new homes, and 150,000 new jobs nationally and inject a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy.

Additionally, it would accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero, with 150,000 additional public transport trips and 20,800 fewer car trips daily.

The project has overwhelming support, and is backed by the Mayor of London, TfL, London Councils, and London’s business community. It is the most popular project TfL have ever consulted on.

Central London Forward, Southwark Council and Lewisham Council recently commissioned an impact assessment of the project which outlines the detailed benefits.

The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension will only happen with support from the new government. Please visit BackTheBakerloo.org.uk to find out more and how to pledge your support.

Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension’s time has come. It’s a shovel ready project that will unlock thousands of homes along the full length of the line and jobs across the UK. So it is no surprise that it has the backing of MPs, the Mayor of London, TfL, London Councils, London businesses and residents right across our city. With the line at risk of critical failure, it’s time the government got on board, and switched the signals to green.”

Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres, said: “This project is more than just a transportation improvement. It’s essential for London's future growth, as it will help unlock over 100,000 new homes and jobs. Plus, it’s set to provide a £1.5 billion boost to the national economy.

The Bakerloo Line extension is a game-changer—not just for south Londoners, but for people across the UK. It’s a project with transformative potential, one that will drive growth and create opportunities nationwide. So, let’s get behind this. Let’s back the Bakerloo!”

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "The Bakerloo Line is an iconic part of London's underground, its history, and its culture. It connects our great landmarks, from Wembley to the West End, and is a vital part of economic infrastructure - with one in six jobs in London within a 12-minute walk of a station. But the significant challenges facing the line - and its 10 stations that fall in the borough of Brent - put it at risk of total failure.

"We're working hard to regenerate every corner of our borough, unlocking growth and connecting our communities better than ever before. But we can't do this alone. It's time to breathe life back into the Bakerloo."

Joe Dromey, Director of Central London Forward said: “The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is the next big opportunity for London.

“The scheme is backed by the Mayor, boroughs and Londoners. It was great to hear strong backing from investors and developers too.

“We’re all keen to work with the new Government to unlock this transformative project, and deliver a much needed boost to UK growth.”

Page last updated: 03 October 2024