The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to meet on 3 April 2025 to discuss strategic transport projects, a strategic asset review, and the Thames Path Connectivity and Upgrade Time-limited Review. The panel were also scheduled to discuss items for the next year’s work programme.

Third Party Strategic Transport Projects

The panel were scheduled to consider a report on third party strategic transport projects in the borough. The report focused on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension, the Silvertown Tunnel opening, and the Thamesmead Bus Transit project.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Extension

The report pack included an update on the proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead. The extension aimed to connect Gallion’s Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, potentially unlocking 30,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs.

According to the report pack, a key challenge for the project was securing firm housing commitments from developers. The next business case milestone was anticipated in July 2025. Transport for London (TfL) were scheduled to work with partners to develop a funding and financing strategy, aiming for an affordable solution by the end of 2025, with construction potentially beginning in early 2028 and the extended DLR opening by 2032.

Silvertown Tunnel

The panel were scheduled to receive an update on the Silvertown Tunnel, which was scheduled to open on 7 April 2025. The tunnel was designed to improve cross-river transport by creating a new link between Silvertown in Newham and the Greenwich Peninsula.

The report pack stated that TfL and the Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group (STIG) had been working on a Monitoring and Mitigation Strategy (MMS) to understand the tunnel's impact after opening. This included a three-year pre-opening monitoring programme focusing on air quality, socio-economic factors, and traffic impacts. Air quality and noise monitoring were scheduled to continue for a minimum of three years after the tunnel opening.

Thamesmead Bus Transit

The panel were also scheduled to discuss the Thamesmead Bus Transit project, which aims to enhance connectivity between Thamesmead, Abbey Wood and Woolwich. TfL were proposing to introduce a Superloop bus transit service in Thamesmead, with a public consultation planned by the end of April 2025, and a further consultation planned later in 2025 on the bus transit related infrastructure needed for the scheme. Detailed design was planned to be complete by September 2025, with construction to begin shortly after.

Strategic Asset Review

The panel were scheduled to consider a report providing an update on the Strategic Asset Review. The review aimed to ensure that the council has a property portfolio that meets its needs, identifying assets to be retained, improved, or disposed of.

Since the last report, 12 properties had been submitted to the Cabinet, in 2 separate reports, and the Cabinet agreed they were surplus. The properties are:

• White Hart Road Depot
• Knee Hill Public Toilet Block
• 61 King George Street
• Rodmere Street Public Conveniences
• Abery Street car park
• Thistlebrook Industrial Estate
• Charlton Village car park
• Mortuary & Coroner’s Office
• Old Dover Road car park
• The Equestrian Centre
• Eltham Tramsheds
• 28 Mereworth Drive

The car parks were still operational and were scheduled to be brought forward for disposal in the new financial year, after consultation. Phase 2 of the process, which commenced in January 2025, included developing a data strategy, enhancing the quality of existing data, and creating asset management dashboards.

Thames Path Connectivity and Upgrade Time-limited Review

The panel were scheduled to receive a verbal update on the progress of the Thames Path Connectivity and Upgrade Time-limited Review. The review's scope mirrors The Thames Path quality standards, as outlined by Natural England, and focuses on experience, enhancement, engagement, and economy.

The review was scheduled to consider:

• Accessibility to all users.
• Signage and lighting along the path.
• Implications of it being a National Cycle route and National trail for walking.
• Safety and crime rates.
• Visitor usage.
• Connectivity along the borough.
• Responsibility for management and maintenance.
• Expectations for landowners and future developers.
• Requirements for surfacing and width.
• Integration with flood defence requirements.
• Biodiversity and canopy cover.
• Minimising closures.
• Involvement of local communities in maintenance and planning.
• Contribution to tourism.
• Interaction with piers and jetties.
• Integration with riverside businesses and attractions.

Work Programme Discussion 2025-26

The panel were scheduled to discuss items to consider for next year’s work programme.