Discover how the Beckton Depot upgrade is supporting a new generation of trains and increasing capacity across London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting regeneration and improving access to homes and jobs across east London.
As Transport for London (TfL) prepares to introduce a new generation of 54 longer, fixed-formation trains, Beckton Depot – the DLR’s primary maintenance facility – is being expanded and reconfigured to support them.
We are delivering the detailed multidisciplinary design, principal designer duties and ongoing construction support needed to upgrade the depot while keeping the live, automated railway fully operational.
Our scope covers enabling works and the expansion of both northern and southern sidings, alongside the delivery of a new train wash, test track and traction substation. The wider programme increases stabling capacity and introduces a new maintenance facility, all delivered within a constrained site with a complex industrial legacy.
Designing complex upgrades in a live operational depot
The new trains require a fundamentally different approach to maintenance, servicing and stabling. They also depend on enhanced power, drainage, signalling and telecommunications systems, alongside a new test track to ensure trains are operating correctly before entering service – particularly important for the DLR’s driverless operation.
Keeping the depot operational throughout construction is critical. If trains cannot enter or leave, the DLR cannot run.
To address this, we developed a phased migration and construction strategy that allows infrastructure to be removed, relocated and rebuilt in carefully sequenced stages. This created the space needed for future works, including the new maintenance facility, while maintaining day-to-day depot operations.
We tested each stage through simulation modelling to ensure the depot could continue to operate safely and efficiently as the layout evolved.
Together, the upgrades will enable TfL to introduce the new DLR fleet, increase capacity and support more frequent and reliable services across east London.
Coordinating complexity on a constrained site
Rail depots are inherently complex environments, and at Beckton this is intensified by both the site conditions and the number of interfaces across the programme.
The depot is located on the site of the former Beckton Gas Works, once the largest coal gas works in Europe. As a result, contaminated ground and buried obstructions from its historic industrial use require careful management and specialist input.
A wide range of systems also need to be integrated – from track and signalling to power, drainage, telecommunications and security – within a live operational environment.
Multiple contractors and designers are delivering different elements of the scheme, while a private operator remains responsible for day-to-day depot operations. Working closely with TfL through its established communication channels, we developed interface agreements and helped resolve complex system integration issues, maintaining progress within the live depot environment.
Our team also developed a shared iTwin model to bring together designs from across the project into a single, accessible platform. This allows stakeholders to see how the depot is evolving and understand how different elements fit together.
We used the model for clash detection, identifying and resolving issues during the design phase. This improved coordination between disciplines and delivery partners and helped reduce construction risk.
Adapting to change and maintaining progress
The project has required continuous adaptation. External factors, including the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and changes in contractor arrangements, led to revisions in sequencing and delivery strategy.
Drawing on our detailed understanding of the depot and its interfaces, we supported TfL in navigating these challenges. This included updating designs, advising on risks and maintaining compliance while ensuring the project continued to move forward.
Our continued involvement has provided consistency as delivery arrangements have evolved, helping the wider project team respond to change while protecting operational requirements.
Supporting ongoing delivery and future phases
Much of the upgraded depot stabling is now operational, with construction and commissioning activities continuing across the site.
Our role extends beyond design into ongoing delivery and future phases. Since 2018, we have supported the project throughout its lifecycle – coordinating stakeholders, maintaining the Construction (Design and Management) risk register and contributing to safe, effective delivery.
We continue to support TfL during construction, responding to queries and providing technical input as works progress.
This client-centred, best-for-project approach has strengthened our relationship with TfL and its delivery partners. It also contributed to our appointment on the Southern Expansion, which will provide additional stabling capacity. Our team has completed concept design and is now progressing detailed design.
Together, the upgrades will enable TfL to introduce the new DLR fleet, increase capacity and support more frequent and reliable services across east London. Each new train will provide around 10 per cent more space, helping to make public transport a more attractive and convenient choice for passengers.