Work has begun on the new hospitality space at the Folkestone Leas Lift, the latest step in the restoration and build project that will help ensure the Grade II* listed funicular railway is financially sustainable for years to come.
The single-storey timber frame extension that will house the new kitchen and bar area has been erected adjacent to the original waiting room. Once completed, the space will play an integral role in the future of the Lift, attracting visitors all year round with 32 covers indoors and 18 on an outdoor deck.
The new architecture has been carefully designed to respond to the character of the historic Leas Lift without recreating the past. Its proportions, rooflines, materials and symmetry take their cues from the original Victorian building, while remaining contemporary.
The extension will sit discreetly alongside the historic station, allowing the original building to remain the focal point. It is a modern addition shaped by the Lift’s Victorian architecture, bringing a distinctive new piece of design to Folkestone.
Cathy Beare, Chair of Trustees of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: "From the outset, our vision for this project has been to ensure the Lift is financially sustainable for the long term. Hospitality sits right at the heart of that strategy – it's what will allow us to keep the Lift running and open to the community for generations to come."
Jo Streeter, Interim Chief Executive of the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “This project is about far more than just restoring the Lift. We want to ensure it’s here for the community for years to come and that means making sure it’s financially sustainable. Revenue from our three food and beverage outlets will play a key part in the business model so it’s important that we get that right.
“This won’t be ‘just another café’ but rather a heritage destination that includes exhibits on the history of the Lift, ways for visitors to engage and learn and a real hub for the community – as well as a fully restored, working Lift!
“To bring the vision to life, we’re currently looking for experienced and ambitious hospitality operators to deliver an exceptional food and drink offer at our main kitchen and bar area, as well as the kiosk on the Upper Leas, and the container at the entrance to the Lower Leas Coastal Park. It may be that the tender is suited to three individual operators, or one that can manage all three – depending on the applicants’ areas of expertise.
“The kitchen and bar will be an incredible space with fantastic sea views and we want it to be used as much as possible, whether that’s for events, a quick coffee or a more substantial meal.”
The new 96m sq extension is constructed from glued laminated timber, known as glulam, and has been designed to complement the existing building. Known for their exceptional strength and long lifespan, glulam beams are highly engineered structural supports made by bonding together individual timber laminations with durable, moisture-resistant adhesives.
Jo Streeter continued: “Seeing the frame go up has been such an exciting development and will be the first of many this year. Inevitably with a project of this size and complexity, there have been some delays but we’re looking forward to getting the carriages back on the tracks and the new sheave wheel in place, with a view to opening to the public in Spring 2027.”
To support the restoration and stay up to date with the latest news, visit www.leaslift.co.uk, where a new online shop offers a range of gifts with all proceeds going directly to the Lift.
