Work To Begin On Leas Lift Restoration

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 to prepare the site for construction. This will include finalising designs requiring contractor input, completing surveys now the building is fully vacant, obtaining licenses and approvals and clearing overgrown vegetation.

The tender process was led by Chair of the Leas Lift Build Committee Jo Streeter, project manager Luke Brown of AtkinsRéalis and Dom Mulford, Senior Project Surveyor of B&M Construction Consultants.

Jo Streeter said: “We are extremely excited to have reached this point in our restoration journey and are confident that we have found the right partner to deliver the project in Apex.

“We were fortunate to receive several competitive tenders, which is why the process has taken a little longer than we anticipated. We wanted to be absolutely sure that as well as getting value for money – which is vital for our funders and supporters – we selected a company that understands what the Lift means to Folkestone.”

Apex, which has a £35m turnover and has recently completed projects in Whitstable, Canterbury and Maidstone, delivers both public and private sector schemes, specialising in community, care and education. The company prides itself on helping clients achieve their goals through construction and has a focus on social value, which looks at the additional benefits that organisations bring to communities.

Dan Hollis, Managing Director at Apex, said: “From the moment we had the opportunity to work on the Leas Lift restoration project, our whole team have been excited about being involved in bringing a local landmark with national importance back into public use.

“Helping the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity and their passionate supporters restore the lift to its former glory, 140 years after it was first installed, aligns perfectly with our values. We are committed to working together and using the construction process itself as an opportunity to educate, inspire, engage and serve the local community. We can’t wait to get started!”

The campaign to save the Grade II* Listed at risk Leas Lift – a nationally significant heritage asset – began in 2018 when volunteers came together to save the lift and ensure its future.

In November 2023, the charity secured £4.8m of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning the overall fundraising target of £6.6m had been reached.

Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive Officer of Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, added: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our funders, supporters and the wider community for their patience over the last year. We’ve been working extremely hard behind the scenes to get to this point but we appreciate everyone is keen to see the Lift re-opened.

“Once Apex has completed the required surveys, we will have a much better idea of timescales and when we can expect to re-open. We’re all very excited and are grateful to everyone who has made it possible to get here.”

For more information on the history of the Leas Lift, as well as the latest news and events, visit leaslift.co.uk.

The Leas Lift is supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund; Historic England; Architectural Heritage Fund; Kent County Council; Folkestone and Hythe District Council; Headley Trust; Garfield Weston Foundation; The Charles Hayward Foundation; The Aurelius Charitable Trust, The Foyle Foundation; The Wolfson Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Frank Brake Trust; The Ian Askew Charitable Trust; The Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust; The John Swire Charitable Trust; The Swire Charitable Trust; Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company; Swiss Re; Folkestone & Hythe District Council Catering Association; SAGA; Sean Davey; Hinges and Brackets; Rodney Tolhurst; Cecilia Sleap; Folkestone & Hythe District Council Green Grant; Kent Community Foundation; The Pamela Champion Foundation; The Rochester Bridge Trust, and Sir Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.