Groundworks have now begun at the historic Leas Lift ahead of its anticipated reopening next year.

It is the latest chapter in the revival of the Folkestone landmark, which for 132 years carried passengers between the promenade and seafront before shutting in 2017 following an issue with its braking system.

The Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, which is leading the project, said: "Following completion of unexploded ordnance probing - a key safety step for historic sites like ours - groundwork is now underway followed by soil nailing over the next eight weeks.

"These works will stabilise the site and prepare for the installation of essential infrastructure.

"Soft strip demolitions have been completed in the lower station, and a reduced level dig is currently taking place at the top station to facilitate works on the two large tanks [which] have now been exposed ready for restoration.

"Meanwhile, the site hoarding is now fully wrapped and the difficult task of scaffolding around the top station and over the track is almost complete."

Work is being carried out by Apex Contractors, the Bexley-based principal contactor appointed by The Leas Lift Company Charity following a thorough tender process in 2024.

Back in February, two carriages were lifted from the track at the Grade II-listed funicular railway, built in 1885, when a huge crane was used to remove the coaches - each weighing 4.5 tonnes.

As well as having issues with its breaking system, discoveries prior to its restoration found it had degraded to an extent that, in 2019, it was placed on the heritage at-risk register by Historic England.

However, a staggering £6.7 million is now being spent on the overhaul, which will also include a new cafe and improved waiting room.

The majority of the money for its restoration and reopening has come from a £4.8 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The lift had been expected to reopen to the public this year.

But The Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity says it is hoped work will now be completed in spring 2026.