Hatch report on Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension released

London, United Kingdom — Central London Forward, in partnership with the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, published its Moving London Forward report in support the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension (BLUE). The comprehensive assessment, strategically timed ahead of the Spring Budget on March 6th, drives forward a compelling case for multi-billion-pound funding to improve connectivity, modernize the transport experience and unlock economic growth across London.

The report, produced by Hatch, disclosed that passengers using the Bakerloo Line have experienced a staggering 370 percent surge in the time they have “lost” over the past decade due to delays and cancellations. The report also highlighted that the line is now “at risk of critical failure” unless immediate action is taken, including an urgent overhaul and the replacement of its 52-year-old trains.

"As a central part of London's economic and cultural infrastructure, the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension comes at a pivotal time for moving London forward,” says Andrew Caruso, Hatch’s director of Urban Solutions. "We were happy to partner with TfL, Central London Forward, and a number of London Boroughs in articulating Bakerloo's role in driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity and supporting London’s journey to net zero."

The report addresses key imperatives for unlocking this opportunity, which includes socioeconomic growth, transport and economic resilience, and the race towards net zero. It acknowledges the challenges faced on the Bakerloo Line today and the opportunities brought forward by the project. The BLUE will be pivotal in enhancing connectivity and opportunity for some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK. It will drive economic growth, support job creation, and unlock housing and commercial development.

Joe Dromey, Director of Central London Forward, said;

"The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is the next big opportunity for London. This project would create jobs, drive growth, unlock housing, and transform connectivity. It would be good for the capital, and for the UK too. “Joe Dromey adds, "This project is backed by the Mayor of London and TfL, by London's business community and by London boroughs. But we can't deliver the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension alone. We need Government to work with us to unlock this project.”

Hatch's scope involved a collaborative approach working with Central London Forward, partner boroughs and Transport for London to deliver an updated case for BLUE, including additional considerations related to the post-Covid macro-economic environment and the environmental impacts of the investment.

View the report here

About Hatch

Hatch is a project delivery, engineering, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees and the communities we serve.

Find out more on www.hatch.com.

For more information about Hatch, please contact:

Lindsay Janca
Global Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 905 403 4199
Email: media@hatch.com