Stratford’s lesser used station on the High Street is growing – and is set to continue

Everybody knows Stratford station’s an incredibly popular melange of lines meeting at an area of rapid housing, employment and leisure growth that continues to see strong growth, but there’s a far sleepier station in town just south located at the High Street.

This almost forgotten little brother with DLR services on the Woolwich Arsenal to Stratford International route is growing though – and last year hit a five year high for journeys at 1,289,535.

That is of course minimal compared to many others nearby, but it is a stop that could finally see some serious growth in years to come.

Firstly, there’s large underused sites and new builds underway all around. Apologies for the slightly wonky image as it was taken from a busy DLR train this week but here’s a student tower as viewed from Stratford High Street station.

This tower will rise to 36 floors, include 719 student rooms and also includes a sixth form college.

Stratford Island

a conditional Development Agreement with Hollybrook (via its Special Purpose Vehicle, Bridge Road Quarter Limited) to purchase Hollybrook and Morgan Wealth land and fund development of up to 179 homes, as set out in the Heads of Terms at exempt Appendix 4.

The council’s Cabinet agreed to “approve a budget of up to £88.2 Million as a total development budget to deliver 179 homes”. That project would also includes redevelopment of Rex Theatre.

Hotel

A Travelodge hotel comprising 151 rooms is on the way a short walk away.

That project sees conversion from a 1980s office block.

Tower opposite

A major proposal for a tower directly opposite Stratford High Street station was proposed yet blocked earlier this year – though a previous slightly shorter tower design was previously approved.

Something seems certain to be built here at high density with residents set for a nip over the road to reach Stratford DLR station.

Bingo hall

Buzz Bingo a short distance from Stratford High Street station was sold in 2023 and looks a prime site for redevelopment.

Nothing appears imminent but given it’s location it appears a site that’ll be redeveloped sooner or later.

Long term growth

Of course Stratford High Street station will never in a month of Sundays get close to its bigger brother with far more transport options, but it does play a decent role of dispersing some passengers away from the crowds.

Not only will some living in various new builds – or those visiting the new sixth form or hotel – find it a decent alternative, but people from further afield will to boot. When I’m heading to Stratford on the DLR I will sometimes dive off at the High Street to avoid the crowds.

The same for those on a bus heading in from the west where numerous sites are under development or planned.

So as housing continues to rise across a wider area, this little and scarcely used station will come into its own ever more.

Running a site alone takes time and a fair bit of money. Adverts are far from enough to cover it and my living costs as a private renter.