Folkestone’s Leas Lift

A talk by the Leas Lift team.

ABOUT THE TALK

The team behind the restoration of the Leas Lift will talk about its future and how the lift will continue to inspire the community.  Find out about the approved planning application including a new café block, how the team raised funds to bring the project to fruition, ensuring it remains a much-loved element of the town’s heritage for the forseeable future.

Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  Refreshments will be served.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

The Folkestone Leas Lift CIO was created to ensure the lift is restored to its former glory and can once again carry passengers.  Following a successful planning application and fundraising campaign, it is hoped that the Leas Lift will reopen in 2025.  The trustees have now appointed their first employees:

CEO Floortje Hoette has more than 25 years’ project management experience in the not-for-profit and commercial sectors.

Community Engagement Officers Amanda Beckett and Charlotte Chapman have been engaging with local schools and the community.

The Leas Lift is a Grade II* Listed funicular railway that opened in 1885 to carry passengers between the seafront and The Leas.  There were two other lifts further along The Leas, but only the Leas Lift remains today.  It is now one of only a handful of water-balanced lifts that survive in the UK.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Back Hall is located within the Cornerstone Centre, formerly the United Reformed Church, next to Folkestone Central station.  It is located on Castle Hill Avenue, near the junction with Cheriton Road.  From the main entrance to the church, walk towards Kingsnorth Gardens and take the path behind the church, just before Bus Stop C.

The hall is on the ground floor with no stairs and has a disabled toilet.  There is a slight step into the entrance and a couple of 90 degree turns to enter.  If you have any accessibility needs, please Contact Us so we can make arrangements for you, including on-site parking.

TRAVEL TO THE VENUE

By Bus:

The venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops.

Stop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73).

Stop B serves buses departing from Folkestone Bus Station towards Broadmead (74), Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76), Dover via Temple Ewell (91A) and Hawkinge (73).

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app.

By Car:

There is a controlled parking zone around the Cornerstone Centre.  Parking can be found on Shorncliffe Road or the dual carriageway part of Castle Hill Avenue.  Alternatively, you can pre-book a space at Folkestone Central station via the APCOA website or app.

By Train:

Take the train to Folkestone Central station (one stop on from Folkestone West coming from London/Ashford).  When exiting the station, turn right, follow the road to the end, then walk under the bridge on your left.  The Cornerstone Centre is the church in front of you.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.

BOOKING TICKETS

Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted.

To guarantee your place, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below.