Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham set for 2027 start at Stonebridge Park
TfL will seek funding for new stations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate after depot work begins
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Transport for London will begin construction on the Bakerloo line extension in summer 2027, starting with upgrades at Stonebridge Park Depot in North West London. The work is part of preparations for new trains expected in the 2030s. After the depot is completed, TfL will seek funding to extend the line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham, including new stations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.
The extension has been discussed since 2014, when then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson revived the plans. Residents in Ladywell, a neighbourhood near Lewisham, say the area has been overlooked compared to other parts of London. They report frequent delays and cancellations on Southeastern services, which they rely on for travel to central London and beyond.
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Residents describe transport challenges
A local business owner, who has worked in Ladywell since the early 1990s, told MyLondon that Southeastern services have become increasingly unreliable. They said delays are common during bad weather or high temperatures, forcing them to travel to Lewisham station instead. The owner added that direct trains to Bromley, once available, were removed despite their convenience.
Brooke Jamieson, who works in a gift shop on Ladywell Road, called the wider Lewisham area a "public transport desert". She said frequent cancellations on the Windrush line in Brockley disrupt travel to central London. Jamieson, who has lived in the area for three years, said the lack of reliable transport affects her and her colleagues, many of whom work second jobs.
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I mostly take the Windrush line in Brockley and it goes down quite a lot. There are constant cancellations and closures which affect the service. That really causes a problem because there's not many ways to get into Central London.
Brooke Jamieson, gift shop worker
Emine Enver, owner of Ladywell Dry Cleaners, said the area benefits from direct trains to London Bridge and Charing Cross but acknowledged that links to other parts of South East London are poor. Enver said the Bakerloo line extension could attract more visitors to the area, supporting local businesses.
Impact of similar projects
A TfL study published in early 2025 found that the Elizabeth line had increased employment access in Abbey Wood by 11%. The study did not specify the percentage increase in new homes, but noted that the benefits extended to areas like Erith, Bexleyheath and Dartford. Residents and business owners in Ladywell hope the Bakerloo line extension will have a similar effect.
Bridget Wood, a dog walker who spoke to MyLondon outside Ladywell station, said the Windrush line had improved travel from Brockley. She said the Bakerloo line extension could make commuting easier for those returning to offices after the COVID-19 pandemic. Wood questioned why the extension to Hayes, which would use existing track, had not progressed further.
What happens next
TfL will begin construction at Stonebridge Park Depot in summer 2027. After the depot work is completed, the organisation will seek funding for the extension to Lewisham. No timeline has been confirmed for when the new stations might open. Residents can track updates on TfL’s website or through local council communications.
Questions this report answers
+When will construction on the Bakerloo line extension start?
Construction will begin in summer 2027 at Stonebridge Park Depot in North West London. This work is part of preparations for new trains expected in the 2030s. The extension to Lewisham will follow once funding is secured.
+Which new stations will the Bakerloo line extension include?
The extension will include new stations at Burgess Park, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. These will connect the line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham. TfL may later extend the line further south to Hayes.
+How will the Bakerloo line extension affect employment in the area?
A TfL study published in early 2025 found the extension could increase employment access in the area by 11%. Similar projects, like the Elizabeth line, have improved connections and supported regeneration in other parts of London.
+What are the current transport challenges for Ladywell residents?
Residents report frequent delays and cancellations on Southeastern services, particularly during bad weather or high temperatures. Many say there are limited alternatives for travel to central London, making commuting difficult and unreliable.
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