Regeneration news
Pontoon Dock station upgrade confirmed with new funding
Pontoon Dock DLR station will undergo a major upgrade, improving capacity and accessibility, to meet the needs of growing customer numbers. The project, which has now secured funding, will include the installation of six new escalators, a larger mezzanine level, and improvements to the surrounding area, including improved public realm, landscaping and the potential for new retail space.
The Royal Docks Team has invested £3.75m from the Enterprise Zone to work with Transport for London on DLR improvements, including Pontoon Dock. Our team worked closely with TfL on the design of the station upgrade, which is an integral part of the Royal Docks Corridor - an ambitious initiative funded by LB Newham and the Royal Docks Team to enhance road layouts, improve public spaces, and deliver dedicated walking and cycling routes.
The Pontoon Dock station upgrade will provide a catalyst for major housing growth and regeneration in the Royal Docks and plays a vital role in supporting the Silvertown development, set to deliver 6,300 new homes, including affordable housing, and over 100,000 sqm of new employment space. The first phase is already underway, with affordable homes welcoming their first residents in Autumn.
'This major upgrade is great news for the Pontoon Dock area and London as a whole. It means we can futureproof this station, support thousands more journeys and improve accessibility. Crucially, it will also help unlock 6,500 new homes and 10,000 jobs, driving regeneration and economic growth in the Royal Docks, supporting the Mayor's aim for a more prosperous London for all.'
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport
The upgrade of Pontoon Dock station is 75 per cent third-party funded, with contributions from Homes England (the government's housing and regeneration agency) and the Greater London Authority (GLA), developer contributions from Lendlease and funding from TfL's Sustainable Housing and Accessibility Fund. The investment will support sustainable development in one of London's growing communities. The detailed design and build contract for the upgrade has been awarded to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, a leading UK construction and infrastructure company.
Construction work is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. The station is expected to remain open throughout the majority of works, ensuring customers can continue to travel as normal while improvements are made. The DLR network has seen significant growth in recent years, with demand expected to rise further as development continues across east London.
Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London, said: 'Our vision is a London where everyone can move around the city safely, comfortably and sustainably. The transformation at Pontoon Dock will make life easier and more comfortable for customers, through reduced congestion and enhanced accessibility. It will also play a central role in supporting important regeneration in the local area, helping to unlock around 6,500 new homes and 10,000 new jobs at Silvertown Quays.'
The DLR operates across six Opportunity Areas in London, which have the potential to provide more than 124,000 homes and 200,000 jobs. There are around 45,000 of these homes either already under construction or with planning permission within walking distance of the DLR. The new train programme, which will see the introduction of 54 new DLR trains to improve frequency and reliability, will deliver additional capacity that is essential to support further sustainable growth beyond that already permitted, particularly in parts of the Royal Docks and the Isle of Dogs where the DLR is such a vital transport option.
