A historic fort in line for a major transformation – including new hotels, restaurants and laboratories – has now hit the market for £10 million.

The Citadel on the Western Heights in Dover is spread over 33 acres and is home to 54 buildings, some of them listed.

It is currently owned by Dover Citadel Ltd, which was established in 2020.

Director David de Min previously told of the ambitious plans to transform the site, which dates back to the 1700s, with £100 million promised for investment.

Mr de Min said The Citadel was to be known as ‘The Little City’ and would include hotels, restaurants, art galleries, a visitor centre and music studios, breathing “new life” into Dover.

He also envisioned building sustainable homes and a biohacking laboratory, while tunnels were earmarked for underground bars and a spa.

Mr de Min also lived on site, in a former healthcare centre, which was turned into a seven-bedroom flat kitted out with a sauna and gym.

Bosses claimed the sprawling site would be turned into an “innovative hub” that will help “shape a brighter future” for the town.

Mr De Min said last year: “Our aim is to transform Dover into a shining example of a successful smart city, a case study that demonstrates the power of innovation and thoughtful development.

“The Citadel is more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of hope, regeneration, and limitless possibilities.”

Now, the entire site is up for sale.

Mr De Min purchased The Citadel for £1.8 million in 2020 from the Ministry of Defence, but it is now thought to be on sale for £10 million.

Over the years, several grants have been awarded to the team in order to help preserve and overhaul it.

In 2022, a £1.8 million grant was awarded from the government’s Getting Building Fund.

And this year, a £149,000 grant was awarded from Historic England for the conservation of the general Western Heights area.

Ali Rana from estate agents Carter Jonas said: “The Citadel offers an exceptional redevelopment opportunity and a chance to revitalise this iconic location.

“Dover is one of the best-connected Kent coastal towns, and The Citadel has the potential to become a vibrant, valuable, and thriving destination in the area.

“With its outstanding views and rich history, it has scope for a diverse range of mixed-use developments and is in the prime position to capitalise on the surrounding area’s popularity, and drive a new wave of growth.”

The Citadel was originally developed in the 18th century and strengthened as a fort to guard against French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.

It was then used as a defence for both world wars and in 1950 the War Office passed the centre to the Prison Service.

In the following years it alternated between being an adult jail and borstal.

From the early 2000s it became the Dover Immigration Removals Centre and that closed completely in 2015.

In the following years the complex has gradually been re-used with the main prison building Rye House, built in the early 1990s, used for filming and training.

Marvel film Kraven the Hunter and a new series featuring Harry Potter star Tom Felton focusing on the life of Mahatma Gandhi were both filmed there.

Mr de Min secured roles as an extra in both productions.

A new cafe also opened at the site this year.

Agents behind the sale say it is hoped the renovation plans will be carried through by the new owners.