Plans to extend the London Overground from Barking to Barking Riverside were approved by the government last week.
The 4.5km stretch of track will provide improved transport access to 10,800 homes, which are planned for construction on the 180-hectare brownfield site on the northern bank of the River Thames.
The project will see the existing Gospel Oak to Barking line extended to a new station, Barking Riverside, which will be sited by Renwick Road. Work will begin summer 2018 with train services starting in late-2021.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “This is wonderful news for east London. Barking Riverside has huge potential to deliver thousands of much-needed affordable homes, and the extension of the Overground will ensure residents have the high-quality transport links they need, both to the surrounding area and commuting into central London.”
Another sign that Barking and Dagenham is at the epicentre of London’s eastward shift
The extension is fully funded with £172m of the £263m cost of the scheme being met by developing, Barking Riverside Limited. The remainder will partially come from Transport for London’s Growth Fund, which funds schemes that have direct impact on unlocking housing and employment opportunities.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “The overground extension is a really exciting time for the borough and it has finally allowed us to unleash the whole opportunity of where we are going.
“This shows Barking Riverside is on track to become Barcelona on Thames and is another sign that Barking and Dagenham is at the epicentre of London’s eastward shift.”