Progress needed on the Bakerloo Line Extension

I am writing to urge Southwark Council to do everything in its power to push forward the Bakerloo Line Extension through the Old Kent Road. This project has been promised for decades, consulted on repeatedly, studied in depth, and has broad support from residents, businesses and stakeholders alike. Yet despite all of this, progress continues to stall.

Now is not the time for more waiting or further delays. The land has already been earmarked, the route agreed, and countless studies, business cases and listening exercises have been completed. What is needed now is clear leadership, a firm timetable, and most importantly, shovels in the ground. Everyone recognises that such a project will take many years, possibly decades, to complete. This is precisely why it must begin immediately because every year lost today pushes delivery further into the future and deprives residents and businesses of the benefits that have already been proven time and again.

The Old Kent Road and wider Southwark community cannot afford further drift. Local businesses depend on improved transport to thrive, while residents need better connections to access work, education and services. The Bakerloo Line Extension is not just about improved transport capacity, but about unlocking thousands of new homes, creating jobs, and securing the regeneration of one of London’s most important growth corridors. Numerous studies have already shown the economic, social and environmental benefits this project will bring, from reducing congestion and cutting emissions, to stimulating investment and driving inclusive growth.

Southwark Council has a duty to stand with residents and businesses in demanding urgent delivery. The cancellation of other local upgrades, such as at Peckham Rye Station, only underlines how vital the Bakerloo Line Extension has become as the number one infrastructure priority for this area.

The route through Old Kent Road has been safeguarded since 2021, and consultations stretching back to 2014 have overwhelmingly indicated public support: during the 2019 TfL consultation, 89% of respondents were in favour, with 82% backing extension beyond Lewisham.

A recent impact report co-commissioned by Southwark Council reveals the scale of the opportunity:

• Unlocking more than 20,400 homes, including 10,500 in the Old Kent Road area
• Creating nearly 10,000 jobs and delivering a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy annually 
• Improved connectivity: travel time from Old Kent Road to Oxford Circus could be slashed from 38 to just 13 minutes—nearly a two-thirds reduction 

These findings are backed by TfL and Central London Forward, which label the project “shovel-ready” and essential for national and regional growth 

• Transport resilience is failing: the Bakerloo Line's trains are now over 16 years beyond their planned lifespan, causing maintenance issues and lost customer hours—over 370% more in cancellations over the last decade.
• Delays now translate into years lost before anything concrete happens; construction will take many years even once started—potentially not until 2040 
• Southwark Council has already allocated £2.4 million in CIL funding to safeguard the land and fund a local study: actions showing intent, not inertia.

This project is not a theoretical improvement—it’s a thorough infrastructure pipeline for jobs, homes, growth, and inclusivity, proven through exhaustive analysis. Examples show that once rolling, the Bakerloo Line will:

• Create 25,000+ new homes across Southwark and Lewisham, including 10,500 in Old Kent Road.
• Support 150,000 additional public transport trips daily, cutting 20,800 car trips and reducing emissions.
• Accelerate progression toward Net Zero while boosting commercial floorspace by nearly 200,000 m².

Businesses are on side too: 89% support among businesses along the route and 76% resident approval, with 63% believing it will help their company grow

I therefore urge the Council to:

1. Publicly reaffirm its full commitment to the Bakerloo Line Extension as its top transport priority.
2. Work closely with Transport for London, the Greater London Authority and central government to secure the necessary funding and political backing.
3. Press for an immediate, publicly available timetable setting out the next concrete steps and a start date for construction.
4. Ensure that residents and businesses are kept fully updated on progress and are not left in the dark after years of waiting.

The time for reviews, consultations and promises has long since passed. The community needs urgent delivery, and every additional delay damages trust, holds back opportunity and undermines confidence. We cannot wait any longer.