As restoration continues on Folkestone’s historic Leas Lift, the project has drawn the attention and support of many across the local authority. Among them is Rod Lean, Chief Officer for Place and Growth at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, who has been in post since February 2022.
Rod’s responsibilities include overseeing regeneration and economic development services within the district. It’s a role that naturally intersects with a project as ambitious as the Leas Lift.
“The Leas Lift is a fantastic project, and will bring back to life a popular tourism attraction, as well as a key functional piece of infrastructure helping people navigate the topography of Folkestone,” he said. “The Leas Lift project team have done a tremendous job drawing in the finances and managing the various phases to now overseeing the implementation of the delivery. The council are key supporters of the project and I am personally delighted to be able to help where I can during this exciting period to help get this project delivered.”
Rod is currently leading on another major initiative: Folkestone – A Brighter Future, a £22 million investment into the town centre, which began its delivery phase in spring 2025.
“We are very excited to be delivering the ‘Folkestone a Brighter Future’ £22m project. This project, similar to the Leas Lift, has been a few years in the making and will hopefully enhance the town centre and how people move around the area,” Rod explained. “The delivery phase started in Spring 2025 and is due to complete in Summer 2026.”
Having supported both the Brighter Future scheme and the Leas Lift, Rod sees them as part of a broader effort to improve access and opportunity for people in Folkestone. He also has fond personal memories of the Lift before it closed in 2017.
“My main memories of the lift were always seeing children so excited to be going on the lift and as a result their parents smiling in response no matter if it was sunny or rainy. The element of excitement really came across, and I am looking forward to seeing that again once it is up and running.”
Asked what part of the reopening he is most looking forward to, Rod highlights both the practical and emotional benefits.
“Bringing back after all these years, this much loved local beautiful facility and adding yet another fantastic attraction to Folkestone’s tourism offer is the best part of this project,” he said. “The other key benefit is reconnection ie enabling people with access issues to get from the wonderful coastal park area to the town centre easily.”
The restoration of the Leas Lift is not only a major heritage project but also one that fits into a wider picture of regeneration across Kent. At the heart of that picture is Kerry Clarke, a Senior Programme Manager at Kent County Council.
Working in KCC’s Major Capital Programme Team, Kerry specialises in delivering large-scale road projects that address transport challenges and prepare the county for the future. Kerry provided invaluable support to the Lift’s team of trustees in the early stages of the project, helping them to navigate the local government landscape and making the necessary introductions. Without ever wishing to make a fuss about it, Kerry was vital in helping the charity getting to grips with the planning complexities around the restoration of a heritage asset.
At present, like Rod, her main focus is the Folkestone – A Brighter Future project.
“I’ve been delighted to assist where I can in ensuring the Leas Lift project moves forwards,” she said. “It will be an amazing attraction to bring people into the town, and hopefully it will be complemented by the Folkestone A Brighter Future project!”
Although Kerry doesn’t have personal memories of riding the Lift before it closed in 2017, she is eager to experience it once it reopens.
“Unfortunately not, but I cannot wait to visit with my family to make new memories when it reopens! Alongside all the great investment and regeneration in Folkestone, hopefully this will continue to grow the economy, making Folkestone a great place to visit, live and work.”
