Dalston Kingsland station entrance Pic: Sunil Prasannan

Crossrail 2, a possible new train line that will greatly affect areas of Dalston, might be delayed another ten years according to a TfL report obtained by the Financial Times.

The project might not be completed now until 2043 due to lack of funds.

Crossrail 2 was set to cost £31bn and is funded by the Mayor of London, TfL and the Local Government Association. The plans include an underground tunnel to link north and south London, including areas in Hertfordshire and Surrey.  

The train stations Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland would be a main stop for the new line and linked together by an underground walkway. 

Crossrail 2 route map. To view full map please click here Pic: Tfl

In an unpublished report submitted to the government when discussing the Crossrail plans, it said: “TfL is not in a position to absorb any more incremental borrowing”, stating that they can only provide with £10bn upfront, with the other £21bn provided by the government in “equity-style” investment and grant funding.  

Despite the delay, Dalston’s community have already expressed disappointment on how the area might be affected.  

In the past, concerns have been raised when Crossrail threatened to demolish listed buildings, which currently hosts an Aranchini Brothers restaurant and American Nail Salon in Kingsland High Street and the Eastern Curve Garden.  

Hackney council have suggested Crossrail 2 will influence Dalston in becoming another major centre for the borough. The plans will also improve capacity and accessibility for public transport.  

By 2033, the council have predicted the population will be 320,000. This will be a 45,000 increase from 2015.  

Hackney Council have released a Local Plan 2033  report last month which said: “Investment [for] Crossrail 2 is decided (and funded) on a pan-London basis. The Council does recognise the extremely positive returns that active travel investment has and will continue to prioritise its own funds in this area.” 

Dalston Junction/Dalston Kingsland Pic: Google Maps

A spokesperson for Dalston Conversation, an organisation which promotes conversation for changed in the area, said: “Change isn’t going to go away…so while change will inevitably mean new buildings, new business investments and new people, we don’t believe it should be come to the expense of existing communities and the things you value.”  

They continued: “Dalston has seen a transformation in the last 5-10 years, but Hackney Council is determined that new buildings and private investment don’t put Dalston’s character and heritage at risk.”  

Crossrail 2 has not been given government permission yet, nor have the plans been finalised. It is expected to gain permission between 2021 and 2022.   

The project is also now facing leadership issues after Sir Terry Morgan, chairman of Crossrail and High Speed 2, resigned this week.