Carriages removed for Leas Lift restoration. The Folkestone landmark closed in 2017 due to braking problems.
The removal is part of a big project costing £6.7 million to fix. Now, work can begin on the railway, which first opened way back in 1885. The Grade II-listed funicular is quite important historically.
The overhaul includes a new cafe and much better waiting rooms. The chassis weighed 1.5 tonnes, and the bogie and wheels weighed three tonnes. They removed these parts, too, that day.
Floortje Hoette, who works for the Leas Lift Company Charity, spoke about the lift. She says this lift is one of the few water-balanced ones still working, and it is good to reopen this landmark.
The carriages go to Northamptonshire, where experts will restore them. The work will take about six months. Restoration of the carriages is fully funded.
Apex Contractors coordinated the lift, which started after a process in 2024. They were appointed by the charity to carry out this important work.
The lift should reopen next year, connecting the town to the seafront. Millions of pounds helped fund this. Dan Hollis from Apex made a statement, noting the public will see major work now and they have a good team.