The rain is pouring down while the wind sweeps in from the cloudy Thames.

This location seems an unlikely site for what could potentially become one of London’s largest new residential projects.

At Thamesmead Waterfront, there’s little more than some trees and an isolated stretch of the Thames Path. However, this brownfield area in southeast London is poised for the development of 15,000 new homes.

The challenge lies in the fact that, despite its proximity to central London, transportation options are virtually non-existent. Accessing the site proves to be quite difficult.

What the developers truly seek is an expansion of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and all eyes are focused on the budget.

This site represents one of the few undeveloped waterfront areas left in London. Estimates suggest that extending the DLR from Gallions Reach, traveling beneath the River Thames to this location, would cost around £1.7 billion.

With this extension, travel from Thamesmead to the West End via the Elizabeth line could take approximately 35 minutes.

Additionally, it would open up new land for thousands of homes on the north bank of the Thames at Beckton Riverside.

The majority of business leaders and the local council are in favor of the DLR extension and the overall proposal.

Jonathan Seager, the policy delivery director at BusinessLDN, emphasizes that the DLR expansion is crucial for the project’s success.

“It would be a grave missed opportunity if this isn’t pursued now. The government is eager to promote economic growth and fulfill its housing objectives. We’ve heard the Secretary of State advocate for ‘build, baby, build’.

“This represents a prime opportunity to achieve the government’s goals, and we are eager to see it approved promptly.”

The rationale for Thamesmead has gained strength.

In September, the New Towns Taskforce, an advisory body for the government, put forward recommendations for Thamesmead to be developed as a new town.

However, the report underscores that this can only materialize with the DLR extension.

“Thamesmead Waterfront presents a viable prospect that carries existing momentum and backing.

“Nevertheless, if advanced as a new town, a major hurdle would be the substantial DLR infrastructure needed to reach the housing density required to fulfill the vision for the area.

The report asserts: “If chosen as a new town, there must be a guarantee of government support for the DLR extension before any progression to implementation can occur.

“Without this support, Thamesmead Waterfront’s potential cannot be realized.”

This perspective is echoed by Majid Rahman, Greenwich Council’s cabinet member for planning, estate renewal, and development.

“It would be a huge disappointment if we don’t secure the funding. It was highlighted that these new towns should be driven by infrastructure. This aligns perfectly with our case for Thamesmead.

“With the necessary infrastructure in place, everything else would follow suit. Not having this would represent a significant missed opportunity.

“We are among the largest brownfield sites in London, and one of the largest regeneration initiatives in the UK.”

We’ve faced this situation previously.

Before the Spending Review in June, the mayor and Peabody, the developers managing Thamesmead Waterfront, stressed that the DLR extension was “essential”.

However, government funding was not provided, though they stated they would continue collaborating with TfL on the business case.

Ed Mayes from developer Lendlease asserts that without public transport connectivity, delivering the high-density housing required would be unrealistic.

“Thamesmead is one of those overlooked areas in London. It boasts two miles of riverfront and possesses natural features currently inaccessible to the public.

“Our project will establish new parks, blue waterways, and river access for a community of 15,000 homes, complete with workplaces and a town center for the area. The design emphasizes nature, growth, and culture at every corner. It’s going to be incredible. All we require is the green light from the government.”

The government aims to construct 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

If London fails to produce a significant number of new residences, it will struggle to meet that goal.

Achieving this entails funding transport infrastructure to connect undeveloped areas in Thamesmead and Beckton.

As the government’s own advisors have pointed out, without financial support for transport links like the DLR extension and some certainty, the project cannot progress.