Saving British heritage: Major refurbishment of East Hill Cliff Lift, Hastings

Project Description

Saving ‘the steepest funicular railway in the country’

East Hill Cliff lift, Hastings

LECS UK was project manager, on behalf of Hastings Borough Council, for the phenomenal refurbishment project of East Hill Cliff funicular lift. Originally opened more than centenary ago, the East Hill Cliff lift works have successfully restored the steepest funicular railway in the country to its former glory.

The lift was deteriorating, and tracks were worn and out of alignment. The extensive works undertaken included:

Replacement tracks,
sleeper repair,
refurbished chassis and brake,
replaced & reinforced lift cabin,
new brake thruster,
new brake linings,
overhauled motor,
gearbox and pulleys,
new rope brake & ropes,
main steelwork reinforcement,
station redecoration.

Lee Dean, director of LECS UK said: “This project was close to my heart, I am originally from Hastings and worked on the lift as an apprentice lift engineer.”

From the photographs you can see why it has the title of ‘the steepest funicular railway in the country’.

East Hill Cliff lift, Hastings

Other key statistics:
Length: 267 feet (81 m)
Gradient: 38%
Cars: 2
Capacity: 16 passengers per car
Configuration: Double track
Gauge: 5 ft (1,524 mm)

East Hill Cliff lift first opened in 1902.