The long-awaited restoration of the Leas Lift has reached its first milestone after two carriages were lifted from the track.

A huge crane was used to remove the coaches – each weighing 4.5 tonnes – from the Folkestone landmark , which has been out of use since 2017 following an issue with its braking system.

Now the carriages have been removed, it means work can start to bring the Grade II-listed funicular railway, first opened in 1885, back to life.

A staggering £6.7 million will be spent on the overhaul, which will also include a new cafe and improved waiting room.

As well as the carriages, which were lifted in two parts, the 1.5-tonne chassis and three-tonne bogie and wheels were removed as part of the operation yesterday (Thursday).

Floortje Hoette, chief executive officer of Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity, said: “This was another important day on our journey to reopen this major landmark, which is one of only three water-balanced lifts to survive in the UK.

“The two carriages will now be transported to Northamptonshire to benefit from an extensive six-month refurbishment programme by expert restorers.

“We are incredibly grateful to all our generous donors, and to Rodney Tolhurst and the Rochester Bridge Trust in particular, who are supporting us financially with the restoration of the carriages.”

The lifting of the carriages was co-ordinated by Apex Contractors, the Bexley-based principal contactor appointed by The Leas Lift Company Charity following a thorough tender process in 2024.

Dan Hollis, Managing Director at Apex, said: “Although we have been busy on site since our appointment last November, this is the first major work the public will have seen.

“We have an extremely experienced and knowledgeable project team who can’t wait to play their part in restoring the Lift and engage with the local community.”

It is hoped the lift, which connects the seafront to the town, will reopen by next year.