What is the Thameslink proposal?
In 1987 British Rail proposed an upgrading of the Thameslink railway line running south-north through London. This involved the construction of a new concrete and steel viaduct through the historic Borough High Street Conservation Area, described by English Heritage as “unique”. Far and away the greatest destructive impact of the whole scheme which runs between the south coast and areas north of London falls on this area of Southwark. Subsequently, Railtrack and now Network Rail continued to promote the scheme and after Public Inquiries in 2001/2 and 2005 the Government gave permission in October 2006.
