Exciting Restoration Update: The Historic Leas Lift in Folkestone is Making Waves!

The charming Folkestone Leas Lift, a historic funicular built in 1885, is undergoing a significant restoration, promising to bring it back to life later this year. This beloved landmark has served as a crucial mode of transportation from the seafront to the scenic Leas area for decades, but has been out of service since 2017 due to mechanical issues.

Milestones Achieved in Restoration

Recent updates from Apex Contractors, the firm responsible for the restoration, highlight the positive strides being made in this multimillion-pound project, which has a budget of £6.6 million. Despite challenging weather conditions, progress continues unabated, with significant milestones reached at both the lower and upper stations of the funicular.

A Peek Inside the Project

A virtual tour has been made available, allowing the public to see the restoration progress room by room. At the lower station, new windows are being installed alongside extensive repairs to the panelling, demonstrating the commitment to preserving the lift's historical integrity. Meanwhile, progress at the upper station includes the completion of tank relining and the reinstatement of the promenade path.

Looking Ahead

As the project moves forward, plans for a specialized concrete pathway to the ticket platforms are in place, with more work on internal joinery, guttering, and roofing happening concurrently. When the lift reopens, it will feature a new lower station, visitor center, café, and exhibition space, all while retaining its iconic wooden cars and Victorian engineering, powered solely by water and gravity.

Once operational, the restored Folkestone Leas Lift aims to continue its legacy, having already transported over 36 million passengers since its inception. This restoration not only preserves a piece of history but also revitalizes a vital link for locals and tourists alike, enhancing the seaside experience in Folkestone.