Calling all ambitious hospitality operators! As we restore one of Folkestone’s most iconic landmarks, we’re also creating something new: a beautiful, purpose-built café with space for 38 customers, nestled beside the Lower Leas Lift Station. And now, we’re looking for the right partner to bring it to life. A Café with a View—and a Mission […]

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 […]

As we mark a major milestone, the 140th anniversary of the Folkestone Leas Lift, we are proud to launch a unique fundraising campaign that brings together heritage, storytelling, and community spirit.  The Leas Lift Time Capsule Crowdfunder invites you to leave a message for the future while supporting the restoration of one of Folkestone’s most […]

Looking for a fun, free, and educational way to explore Folkestone’s unique history with the whole family? Just in time for the Easter holidays and ready to enjoy all year round, we’re excited to launch the Leas Lift Family Heritage Trail – a brand-new activity trail designed for curious minds aged 5 and up. This […]

Get creative with the Leas Lift Colouring Competition! We’re inviting artists of all ages to take part in a special Colouring Competition. Local illustrator Tom Bradshaw / ScribeYak has created a brilliant drawing of the historic lift and its journey to restoration – now it’s your turn to bring it to life with colour, imagination, and flair! […]

Read our short interview with Leas Lift Hero, and illustrator, Tom Bradshaw. Tell us who you are and what you do for a living. Hi, my name is Tom Bradshaw. I’m an illustrator and scribe artist. You moved to Folkestone not too long ago, if I remember correctly. What do you love most about living […]

As restoration work continues on Folkestone’s historic Leas Lift, the charity has appointed a Content Marketing Officer to ensure audiences stay informed and engaged throughout the project. George Cory joins the team with a strong background in communications, having previously worked at creative organisations in Kent, including the Gulbenkian Arts Centre and Creative Folkestone. With a […]

East Kent College Folkestone and Leas Lift are thrilled to present an exhibition of Level 3 Year 2 Art & Design students work. The exhibition explores the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of the region’s iconic Funicular Lift, which has long been a symbol of the town’s relationship with the sea and its evolving urban […]

Folkestone’s Leas Lift has reached its first major milestone in the restoration programme after the two carriages were lifted from the track by crane, ready for refurbishment.  The Grade II* Listed funicular railway, which closed in 2016, is being brought back to life thanks to a £6.7 million fundraising campaign, which included £4.8 million from […]

As restoration work at Folkestone’s Leas Lift is set to begin, the charity has appointed a Community Engagement Manager to ensure local people are kept informed and feel part of the efforts to re-open the iconic Lift. Yaz Norris has more than 10 years’ experience working in arts charities and heritage projects, most recently as […]

The big question we get asked all the time is ‘When is work going to start on the restoration?’. There’s always a lot going on behind the scenes so to understand more, we sat down with Luke Brown, project manager at AtkinsRéalis and Jo Streeter, chair of the Leas Lift Build Committee. Can you summarise […]

The restoration of Folkestone’s Leas Lift has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a principal contractor for the construction work. Following a thorough tender process, Bexley-based Apex Contractors has been awarded the contract, which is worth more than £5m. Over the next three months, Apex will be working alongside the project team […]