The 138-year-old seaside attraction set to reopen in 2025 – and it’s right next to the beach
A SEASIDE attraction that has been closed for more than six years is set to reopen – and it’s great news for beachgoers.
The Leas Lift, in Folkestone, dates back 138 years, and is now a Grade-II listed structure.
Opening in 1885, it carried as many as 2,389 on its first day.
However, it was forced to close back in 2017 due to a problem with its brakes.
But a successful campaign has seen it awarded £4.8million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, needed to restore the attraction.
The works, which will work out to £6.6million overall, will now take place next year with plans to reopen by 2025.
Cathy Beare, from the Folkestone Leas Lift Company, said: “This is a huge win for us. We can’t wait to welcome passengers back.
“People tell me the hard work starts now, although it certainly feels like we are well on the road to success.”
The lift is just one of three water-balanced lifts which remain in the UK.
The lift connects the Leas to the seafront via two carriages, as well as the Lower Coastal Park.
Folkestone has become a popular destination in recent years, with it named one of the best places to live in the UK.
Alastair Upton, the chief executive of Creative Folkestone, told The Times: “There are so many creative people, lots of cultural things to see and get involved in, and you’re surrounded by works of art.
“[And] a lot of people go swimming or paddleboarding in the sea.”
Not only is it less than an hour from London – with trains from St Pancras taking around 53 minutes – but it is seen as the ‘new’ Margate for day-trippers.
And being around the same time from London as Brighton is, the arty town has been named the “New Brighton”.
The average house price in Brighton is £534,285 – compared to Folkestone’s £336,334, according to local media.
But has also become popular with Brits heading to the beach for a day trip.
It is home to F51 – the first multistorey skatepark in the world, as well as a beach many have said looks like it could be abroad.
Just outside of the main beach in Folkestone is Mermaid Beach, with stunning views over the ocean.
Sun Online Travel also stayed at Folkestone’s Rocksalt Rooms – here’s what you can expect.
It’s also a great base to travel to Europe, with the Channel Tunnel connecting Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes.
If you fancy other seaside towns for a staycation, here’s what you can expect from a visit to Margate.
And one Sun writer has lived in both Margate and Folkestone – here’s the destination that came out on top.