If you know Folkestone in Kent, you’ll know that its iconic cliff lift has been closed for what feels like forever. The Leas Lift, as it’s officially known, stopped operations way back in 2017 – but now the gorgeous funicular railway has an official reopening date.
The team campaigning for comeback of the Leas Lift has just secured £4.8m in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning they’ve reached their overall fundraising target of £6.6m. In short, they can finally get started on all the big repairs and renovations that the lift needs to enter public service again.
New plans have revealed a lift with improved accessibility, an upgraded waiting room, new cafe, outdoor terrace and exhibition detailing the lift’s history. The grand reopening will happen in 2025, eight years after the funicular originally shut.
The Grade II-listed hillside railway was built way back in 1885 and is one of just eight water balance lifts in the whole of the UK (and one of only three using their original system). It initially closed due to an issue with its braking system (not something you want to have issues with on a cliff) but since then degraded even further. In 2019 the Leas Lift was put on Historic England’s at-risk register.
Soon after the closure, a group of local volunteers joined forces and launched a campaign to save the beloved attraction. In April this year, the first planning application of the project was submitted and has been approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: ‘We are delighted to support the restoration of this rare surviving water lift, returning this beautiful and remarkable example of Victorian engineering to its original use connecting seafront and town and creating an anchor and sense of place and connection for the local Folkestone community and visitors.
‘This community-led scheme absolutely delivers our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.’
Heritage happenings at Time Out
The UK takes a lot of pride in its national and international heritage sites. So, naturally, Time Out wants to give everything happening in the heritage world the coverage it deserves. Other much-loved railway lines like this northern one and this one up in the clouds have also enjoyed a revival this year and one British spot was actually named the most beautiful Unesco site in the world. If you want to make your own contribution to the conservation of UK history, check out this campaign being run by Historic England right now.
ICYMI: this iconic English football stadium is getting a roof walk and ‘sky bar’.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.