TfL seek to scrap plans to build over Poplar DLR depot – for now
TfL have abandoned plans to begin the process of adding decking over Poplar DLR depot and sidings hampering plans to improve connectivity between Canary Wharf and areas to the north.
A report states that funds from the Housing Infrastructure Fund will be redirected towards expanding Beckton sidings for new DLR trains.
That project was hit by contractor Buckingham entering administration last year.
A total of £257.4m of funding was awarded for 11 DLR trains in addition to 43 already order by TfL. The programme also Beckton sidings, power upgrades and signal work alongside enabling works to support oversight development at Poplar depot.
As well as looking into decking, the £20m was to help enable a single bridge link over Aspen Way.
Fund switch
The report states that “In March, we submitted a material change request to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for c£20m funding to be transferred from the Poplar project to protect the Beckton depot works which have been subject to significant cost pressures.
“The Poplar element is no longer feasible within HIF timescales. The outcome of this request is due in summer 2024.”
Decking over the depot to facilitate building would also reduce severance between housing to the north and Canary Wharf including its extensive expansion now underway at North Quay.
The first tower is now underway which will improve links between Poplar station and areas to the south, though to the north the depot presents a substantial obstacle.
An area masterplan was adopted by Tower Hamlets back in 2021.
It includes a number of options for covering not only the depot but adjacent multi-lane road.
While proposals are on hold for now and this potential source of preliminary funding looks likely to head elsewhere, Transport for London may attempt to resume the project using alternative funding.
Not only would it help existing residents of Poplar access transport and employment but the project offers scope for new housing.
£20 million was never going to be enough for comprehensive improvements – and that will be an even bigger challenge in years to come.
Is it because of new DLR trains that are currently being built in Spain as CAF have won the contract to manufacture new DLR trains that is due to enter service later this year or next year.