Gateway to London Statement

Responding to the publication of Transport for London's Business Plan from 2009/10 to 2017/18, Aman Dalvi, Chief Executive, Gateway to London, Inward Investment Agency for London Thames Gateway said:

"The decision to halt key London Thames Gateway transport schemes is bad news for the region's economy. At a time when financial markets and businesses are struggling, our companies desperately need a strong and bold commitment to these vital infrastructure projects from TfL and the Mayor. 

"Speculation over funding for the Docklands Light Railway extension to Dagenham Dock threatens the considerable work that Gateway to London and the public sector have put into creating a major hub for environmentally focused companies over the past four years. Together with the shelving of both the Thames Gateway Bridge and the secondary phases of the East London and Greenwich Waterfront Transit schemes, this is a massive blow to business confidence and will seriously impact on London Thames Gateway's attractiveness to businesses looking to invest."

The TfL Business Plan states that the following London Thames Gateway transport schemes lack funding and will not be progressed:


Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Dagenham Dock Extension

Dagenham Dock has unequivocal support from the public sector as the key location for green industries and environmental technologies. Gateway to London has been working for over four years to establish the region as a location for environmental technologies and has helped attract significant private sector investment and employment opportunities for local residents.  

In a survey of businesses carried out earlier this year, 47 per cent said that the DLR extension was the most important transport link for London Thames Gateway. This speculation over funding for the DLR extension to Dagenham Dock will therefore be a massive disappointment for these companies as well as jeopardising the future of this vital market for London Thames Gateway, and the overall competiveness of the region. Businesses which Gateway to London is currently working with on relocation projects to Dagenham Dock and those considering a move to this new hub could now start looking elsewhere. 

This lack of commitment to vital infrastructure sends a conflicting message about the Government's commitment to creating an eco region in the Thames Gateway and raises questions around how key sustainability targets will be met. Gateway to London calls for urgent negotiations between TfL, the GLA and central Government to secure funding for this much needed project that will safeguard planned investment and secure the future of this key employment location.  


Thames Gateway Bridge

The numerous studies and business surveys conducted by Gateway to London over the past six years have shown that the Thames Gateway Bridge is a key priority for businesses in London Thames Gateway.  A new river crossing is, without a doubt, essential for delivering better access for local residents to jobs, creating further links to markets and suppliers and securing inward investment and business retention.

TfL's decision to scrap plans for the Thames Gateway Bridge will have a huge impact on the region's companies who rely on excellent access to suppliers and markets. Gateway to London showed in their submission to the Thames Gateway Bridge enquiry in 2005 that business would hugely benefit from the creation of a new crossing and that this would help local people find employment. Gateway to London also demonstrated how new businesses would be attracted to London Thames Gateway and key sites such as the White Hart Triangle, and many more on both sides of the river, would become considerably more accessible.  Gateway to London therefore urges TfL, the Mayor and all those involved in the scheme to re-enter discussions so we can deliver this much needed new river crossing for London Thames Gateway. 


East London Transit (ELT) and Greenwich Waterfront Transit (GWT)

The completion of the first phases of the ELT and GWT are expected next year and will provide key transport links to support new development schemes and existing sites north and the south of the river. 

By cancelling the funding for phase two of these projects, London Thames Gateway will lose much needed new transport links that would have connected customers and suppliers across the Thames Gateway Bridge as well as separately between Barking and Gallions Reach (ELT)  and between the Woolwich Ferry Roundabout, North Greenwich and Greenwich Town Centre (GWT).  Gateway to London will be asking TfL to review this decision as part of their planned wider review and sub-regional analysis to assess the potential for further transit routes and opportunities for external funding.