Folkestone's Leas Lift has reached a major milestone in its restoration, with its two historic carriages returning to the site and being lifted back onto the track. 

 

The carriages were removed in February 2025 and have since undergone an extensive rebuild in Lincolnshire, carried out in partnership with specialist engineers Rapid Consulting. Each carriage weighs 4.5 tonnes and was lifted into place in two parts – the 3-tonne bogie and wheels, followed by the 1.5-tonne chassis. They have been restored to a high standard with their long-term future in mind, including improvements to safety, durability and accessibility, while retaining their familiar historic character. 

 

The original hope had been to restore the carriages' timber tops, but once removed and inspected, it became clear they were beyond repair and would not have been safe to reinstate. The carriages were not original to the Lift and had been poorly constructed using softwood, and their replacement required Listed Building Consent. 

 

The rebuild has seen new hardwood window frames embedded within a steel frame to provide greater structural integrity, along with a new floor, ceiling, control system and intercom. New wheels were also required following testing. Throughout, the original ironmongery has been retained, keeping the carriages' familiar appearance, and the original seats have been reused – with some adapted to fold away to improve accessibility for wheelchair and pushchair users.  

 

Durability has also been designed in through modular panelling, meaning any future damage, such as from water, can be repaired without the need for a major rebuild. Each carriage carries approximately 12 people, depending on passenger type. 

 

Cathy Beare, Chair of Trustees of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “Seeing the carriages return to Folkestone is a hugely significant moment. They are such an important part of the Lift's identity and have been carefully rebuilt so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. It's wonderful to see another major piece of this historic landmark back where it belongs.” 

 

Jo Streeter, Interim Chief Executive of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “A great deal of specialist work has gone into the carriages, and the quality of the finished result is fantastic. They've been rebuilt with long-term durability in mind, alongside the safety and accessibility improvements needed for the Lift's future operation. 

 

“Having the carriages back on the track is a very visible sign of the progress being made. There's still important work ahead, including mechanical installation, testing and commissioning, but this is another big step towards welcoming passengers back.” 

 

Mark Parmenter, Operations Director at Apex Contractors, the principal contractor for The Leas Lift and co-ordinators of the carriage return, said: “The arrival and installation of the new carriages is one of the most significant stages in the restoration of The Leas Lift and a real milestone for everyone involved. It’s incredibly rewarding to see months of planning, craftsmanship and collaboration turning into visible progress on site. As a local contractor, we’re particularly proud to be playing a role in restoring one of the UK’s few historic, water-balanced lifts, building on the ingenuity of the original Victorian engineers and helping secure the future of this remarkable landmark for residents and visitors alike.” 

 

The carriage restoration has been supported financially by the Rochester Bridge Trust. Nicola Parks, Director of Charitable Projects at Rochester Bridge Trust said: “Rochester Bridge Trust is pleased to have supported the restoration of one of the Leas Lift carriages through a £25,000 grant. The completion of this work represents an important step towards bringing this Grade II listed funicular railway back into operation, preserving a cherished local landmark and an outstanding example of Victorian engineering.” 

 

The next stage of work will see the Lift's new sheave wheel installed, as the charity continues to work towards reopening to the public in spring 2027. 

 

The Grade II* listed funicular first opened in 1885 and, once restored, will be one of only three remaining water-balanced lifts in the country.