Ambitious plans have been drawn up to transform part of the historic Citadel in Dover.

Developers want to rejuvenate several of the casemates within the fort so that small businesses, such as cafes, could move in.

A courtyard with seating would also be created, while windows, heating and new lighting would be added to the buildings.

An artist impression of the proposed scheme has been drawn up by Hythe-based architect firm, Hollaway, which give an idea of what the project could look like if permission is granted.

The drawing includes a potential gallery, workshop and market in the renovated casemates, with a food truck in the courtyard.

Toilets and access would also be added.

Two separate planning applications for change of use have been submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) on the scheme, one seeking permission to renovate casemates 51 and 52, the other to makeover casemates 53 and 54.

But David de Min, one of the directors from Dover Citadel Ltd, says these initial plans are just phase one of a masterplan to overhaul the site.

Further planning applications are expected to be submitted in the future.

The initial two planning applications have been submitted by DPP Planning on behalf of Dover Citadel Ltd.

Planning documents state that the project would involve 'minimal physical alterations' to the current buildings.

Plans state: "Overall, the vision is to fundamentally restore and reuse currently vacant and underutilised casemates of the Citadel to develop a sustainable future for Western Heights.

"The vision is to have market type and artisan businesses using the casemates.

"The vision is to fundamentally restore and reuse currently vacant and underutilised casemates of the Citadel to develop a sustainable future for Western Heights..."

"As such, it is proposed that these casemates will be used for a variety of flexible commercial, business and service purposes all falling within Use Class E.

"Although the exact mix of uses have not been specified to allow for a certain level of flexibility within the scheme, it is anticipated that the occupiers will be a variety of artisan and SME businesses."

The literature also notes that through the job opportunities that are expected to be created, the scheme would bring "economic prosperity to Dover whilst securing a sustainable future for the Western Heights".

Documents from Hollaway add that the restoration work within the Citadel will "provide functioning spaces for modern day ventures".

They add: "The proposal is to remove non-original structures whilst it repairs and replaces like for like the valuable historic features, with that bringing public interest and commerce for the first time."

The currently empty Citadel is part of the Western Heights Fortification, which overlooks the town and harbour.

The first recorded permanent fortifications to be established on the land dates from 1770.

The strategic importance of the area was recognised in the early 19th century and in 1804 a plan was put forward to modernise the defences.

These new Napoleonic fortifications took the form of two major redoubts, the Citadel and Drop Redoubt.

The site was in continuous military occupation over a period of some 170 years with the fortification representing one of the largest and most elaborate surviving examples of 19th century fortifications in England.

Over time the defensive purpose of the monument declined, and eventually the Citadel was transferred to the Prisons Commission in 1954.

It was subsequently adapted and developed for use by HM Prisons Service as a Borstal and Young Offenders Institution.

Most recently the site has been operational as an immigration centre until November 2015.

It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and within the Western Heights Conservation Area.

A casemate is a fortified gun emplacement or armored structure from which guns are fired, in a fortification, warship, or armoured fighting vehicle.