Ambitious plans to transform a historic fortress have officially launched - with bosses planning to call it The Little City.

Hotels, restaurants, art galleries, a visitor centre and music studios are all destined for The Citadel at the Western Heights, which will “breathe new life” into Dover, owners say.

Made up of 54 buildings and covering 33 acres, the sprawling site will be turned into an “innovative hub” that will help “shape a brighter future” for the town.

The design for the hotel is currently being worked on, with the team behind the project describing it as “one-of-a-kind”.

David de Min, chief executive of Dover Citadel Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an extraordinary project that has been years in the making: The Citadel – The Little City.

“Our vision is to transform the UK’s largest Napoleonic era fortress into an innovative hub that will breathe new life into Dover, one of the last underdeveloped seaside towns.

“More than a mere structure, The Citadel is a holistic space designed to nurture work, wellness, and creativity.

“Since acquisition three years ago, we have been working tirelessly in collaboration with Historic England, Dover District Council (with special mention to Tim Ingleton), Kent County Council, Natalie Elphicke, MP, and world class consultants, to bring this momentous project to fruition.”

A new video has also been released alongside the launch of the project which includes drone footage of the land and its numerous buildings, the first of which were built in 1779 and expanded in the following centuries.

As well as the hotel and other businesses set for the site, an outdoor astro-turf, five-a-side football pitch and indoor basketball courts are proposed.

Work will also take place to restore the Napoleonic parts of the fortification, which will be used to offer a modern space for the arts, culture, and education, bosses say.

Twelve casemates have also been renovated at the site

Initial plans for The Citadel were revealed last year, with bosses saying they will spend £100m to upgrade it.

Planning applications for each section of the project will be made as each phase of the scheme develops.

Mr de Min added: “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.

“Together, let’s shape a brighter future for Dover and beyond.”

The complex was 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.

In 2021 it was one setting for Danny Boyle’s series, Pistol, about punk bank Sex Pistols.

Members of the public will be able to find out more by attending the centre’s first open day next month.

This is from 11am to 9pm on Saturday, June 24.