The West London Orbital Line could connect Hendon and Brent Cross in Barnet with Brent, Ealing and Hounslow boroughs, reports James Cracknell

Brent Cross West Station and (inset) London Overground

A proposed new railway line connecting western Barnet with Brent, Ealing and Hounslow boroughs has taken a big leap forward today (Thursday 5^th) after a £6,650,000 funding package was announced.

Transport for London (TfL) is teaming up with the councils running all four boroughs – as well as Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation – to “drive forward” the long-term plan for a new West London Orbital Railway.

If it goes ahead, it would directly connect Barnet borough to the London Overground network for the first time since it was launched two decades ago.

Brent Cross West Station opened in December 2023 and already includes capacity for a connection to West London Orbital. Hendon Station to the north is also proposed to be added to the route.

It would utilise existing freight lines so that “Londoners can better connect with town centres, employment hubs and existing and future transport links” at the under-construction Old Oak Common Station, which will eventually serve the HS2 line to Birmingham, as well as the Elizabeth Line.

West London Orbital is proposed to run up to six trains an hour connecting “key growth hubs and town centres” including Hendon, Brent Cross, Neasden, Harlesden, Old Oak Common, Acton, Brentford and Hounslow.

New stations would open in some locations, while others would serve existing stations. A public consultation later this year will include more details.

Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings, who also chairs the West London Alliance, said: “Barnet backs the West London Orbital. By filling a major gap in the public transport network it will give our residents faster, more sustainable access to everything West London has to offer.

“We have already taken steps to receive the West London Orbital at Brent Cross West, the gateway to our new neighbourhood Brent Cross Town, ensuring even more people can benefit from the opportunities this major new development will bring and help us further unlock much needed new homes, employment and outstanding community facilities in the borough.”

TfL argues the “innovative” transport link would support more than 25,000 new homes and 11,500 new jobs, “delivering approximately £300million in the first ten years of operation”.

As with other London Overground lines that were named for the first time in 2024, if built the new line would consider the communities along the route as well as local heritage and history to find a suitable name.

A map of the proposed West London Orbital Line (credit TfL)

The funding announced this month is sourced equally between TfL – providing 50% – and the four London boroughs, plus Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation. TfL’s share is being provided between now and 2028.

It will “fast-track” design and modelling for public consultation, this summer, leading to a decision expected in late 2027.

Khan said: ”I’m pleased and proud to bring partners together so we can deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and north-west part of the capital. Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help drive regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but across our great city.

“I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities unlocked by this innovative rail project as we continue building a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, said: “The West London Orbital has the potential to transform how people travel across west and north-west London.

“This funding allows us to take the next major step in developing the scheme, working closely with boroughs, the West London Alliance and Network Rail to build a detailed, evidence-based case for delivery. Improving orbital connections will support new homes, unlock jobs and give more people access to fast, reliable public transport.”

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