Whitby Cliff Lift Remains Closed as Council Considers Options
Whitby's historic Cliff Lift remains closed due to ongoing structural issues, with no confirmed date for its reopening. The lift, which first opened in 1931, has been out of service since April 2022 after corrosion was discovered in its structure. The lift provides access from the cliff top down to the beach via a 221ft pedestrian tunnel.
A report prepared for local councillors say that a key problem facing the lift is the steady increase in water ingress, leading to corrosion and requiring frequent replacement of operational parts. Some parts need to be renewed annually due to this issue. Additionally, the top station building requires structural repairs due to cracking in the brick pillars and a bowing roof. The building houses the lift's lifting gear, which would need to be removed or protected during repairs. Further complicating matters is the need for a new ventilation system to reduce humidity and mitigate ongoing problems.
The report says that while it is technically possible to restore the lift, doing so wouldn't address the underlying issues of water ingress and ventilation. This means significant ongoing costs would be required for maintenance, part replacements, and the employment of a seasonal lift operator. Previously, the council offered free lift passes to chalet users and charged other passengers, but this income didn't cover operating costs. For the past three summers, the council has provided a free bus service as a temporary replacement for the lift.
Currently, no formal decision has been made regarding the future of the lift. Align Property Partners have been commissioned to conduct surveys and further work to provide more accurate cost estimates. Ultimately, the decision on the lift's future will be made by the council's Executive, in consultation with local members.
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