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 Head of Venue and Programming at Quarterhouse, a performing arts venue.
Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive Officer of Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “Involving the local community in the re-opening of the Lift is key to its success, and it’s also a requirement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund which is funding £4.8m of the restoration project.
“We are delighted to welcome Yaz to the team to continue the excellent programme of activities that began in 2024. She has an excellent track record of successfully
planning and managing projects, as well as developing and delivering a programme of events. We can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to the Leas Lift.
“Although we have many dedicated volunteers, Yaz is only our second employee. It’s important to get the right people in place now as activities ramp up – there is so much to be done ahead of the actual opening of the Lift.”
Last year heritage engagement activities included visits to local schools and colleges, guided walks around the Leas Lift, a touring interactive puppet show, poetry workshops and visits to care homes where oral histories were collected.
Yaz’s focus will be on engaging with residents who have physical and learning disabilities, long term illness or financial barriers preventing them from independently accessing the Lift; children at local primary schools with a higher-than-average eligibility for free school meals; and people aged 18 to 24 years studying in Folkestone and at local colleges and Universities.
Yaz Norris said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Leas Lift team, and to be supporting the brilliant Floortje Hoette to drive the project. An inspiring amount of work has gone into getting it this far by a group of passionate volunteer Trustees, and it’s an exciting time to be joining as restoration works are about to begin.
“The rich community engagement programme has already got underway with an impressive start. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and continue to connect the community to such an inspiring and uplifting project, which means so much to so many in the town.”
In November 2024, Apex Contractors were appointed as the principal contractor for the construction work. The team is currently preparing the site for work to begin, including completing surveys, obtaining licenses and clearing overgrown vegetation.
