Work is set to get underway on a £6.6 million restoration project to preserve one of Kent's most historic assets.

Extensive plans have long been in the pipeline for the Grade II-listed Leas Lift in Folkestone, which carried passengers between the promenade and seafront before shutting in 2017.

Along with restoring the lift to working order, the cliffside railway’s waiting room will be renovated, and a new building will be constructed to house a modern cafe with an outdoor terrace.

However, delays in selecting a contractor to take on the project have now cast doubts over whether the previously proposed opening date of summer 2025 will come off.

Now, Apex Contractors, a London-based firm, has been awarded the contract worth more than £5 million and will work with the existing project team over the next three months to prepare the site for construction.

This will include finalising designs, completing surveys and clearing overgrown vegetation.

Chair of the Leas Lift Build Committee 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, so the process has taken a little longer than 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.”

The Leas Lift, built in 1885, is one of only eight water balance lifts in the country, of which only three operate using their original system.

The attraction was forced to close seven years ago due to problems with its braking system. In 2019, Historic England placed it on the Heritage at Risk register.

In November 2023, the Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity secured £4.8m of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which means it had reached its overall fundraising target of £6.6m.

Earlier this year, Historic England added an extra £200,000 to the coffers, which will fund works on the sheave wheel – a vital part in raising and lowering passenger cars at the site.

Dan Hollis, managing director at Apex, added: “From the moment we had the opportunity to work on the project, our whole team have been excited about bringing a local landmark with national importance back into public use.

“We are committed to working together and using the construction process as an opportunity to educate, inspire, engage and serve the local community. We can’t wait to get started!”