At a meeting scheduled for September 10, england/lewisham/”>Lewisham Council’s Cabinet members are poised to approve the allocation of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds to support the construction of the Surrey Canal station in south london/”>east London. Lewisham Council to discuss funding for Surrey Canal station is a significant agenda Pointpoint for this meeting.
Station Location and Importance
The proposed station will be situated between Queens Road Peckham and Surrey Quays on the Windrush line. Initially suggested during the extension of the Overground line to Clapham Junction in the early 2010s, the Surrey Canal station has been described as “critical” for unlocking the area’s housing potential and enhancing connectivity for both current and future residents. Lewisham Council to discuss funding for Surrey Canal station will be vital in progressing these objectives.
Funding and Development Timeline
SCIL enables local authorities to collect funds from developers to help deliver essential infrastructure within the borough, including hospitals, schools, social care facilities, and transport. The SCIL funds will specifically aid Transport for London (TfL) with the detailed design of the station. If funding is secured, design work is expected to commence in early 2026 and conclude in early 2028. Lewisham Council to discuss funding for Surrey Canal station can expedite the funding approval process.
Previous Funding Challenges
In 2018, TfL received a grant from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) for six projects along the Windrush line, including the Surrey Canal station. However, due to budget constraints, other projects were prioritised, leading to a pause in plans for the station in 2021. The overall programme has been divided into two phases, with the Surrey Canal station falling under phase two.
Current Developments
Phase one projects funded include new step-free access at Surrey Quays station and upgrades to traction power and signalling, facilitating an increase in train frequency from 16 to 20 trains per hour. Last year, TfL secured £25 million from Renewal Group, the developer responsible for approximately 3,500 new homes in South Bermondsey, although the proportion of affordable housing has since been reduced.
A Cabinet report set to be discussed next week indicates that TfL plans to apply for additional HIF funding to assist with phase two. Lewisham Council to discuss funding for Surrey Canal station is a crucial part of these developments. Cabinet members are advised to approve the use of SCIL to facilitate the station’s development. www.uknip.co.uk/where/united-kingdom/england/london
