Transport for London (TfL) has announced the names of the companies shortlisted to bid to build the London Overground Barking Riverside Extension, which will serve one of London's largest housing development sites.

The extension of the London Overground Gospel Oak to Barking line down to Barking Riverside will bring huge benefits for people in the local area and beyond, supporting the major new development with 10,800 new homes, many of which are affordable, a new school and healthcare services, as well as shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.

The new station will lie at the heart of the Barking Riverside community, delivering a sustainable public transport alternative to car travel and linking the area into London's public transport network through connections at Barking, with District and Hammersmith & City Tube services and c2c services to London Fenchurch Street and Essex.

Three bidders have been shortlisted to build the extension are: Balfour Beatty, Carillion PLC, VolkerFitzpatrick Morgan Sindall joint venture.

Jonathan Fox, TfL's Director of London Rail, said: 'The Barking Riverside extension is key to regenerating this part of east London, helping to support up to 10,800 new homes, along with new jobs and improved facilities for the local community. The London Overground network has helped regenerate other parts of London by providing a frequent, reliable and high standard rail services, and this rail extension will help Barking riverside to grow and develop.'

A Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) for the 4.5km extension was submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport in March 2016 and if approved could mean construction beginning in late 2017 with train services commencing in 2021.

TfL's transformation of underused suburban rail links into the highly popular London Overground has seen passenger numbers rise by 400% since 2007 and the network become one of the most reliable and popular in the UK.