David De Min hopes to transform his 33-acre fortress The Dover Citadel into a tourist and business (Image: Steve Finn)
The 33-year-old has ploughed millions of pounds into transforming The Citadel into hotels, restaurants and laboratories.
His plan for a world-renowned tourist and business destination includes a whisky distillery, wellness spa and a music and arts venue.
Mr de Min and his business partners bought the 33-acre site from the Ministry of Justice three years ago for £1.8million.
But he is now seeking new investors as his associates have decided to pull out of the ambitious project.
“I was gutted when my partners said they wanted to sell. It threw it into chaos. I was heartbroken,” he said. “But I am now urging somebody to please come and join me on this adventure. We’ve made a great start but there is so much more to do. I need someone who shares my vision.”
The Citadel has been an army barracks, a young offenders institution and an immigration detention centre (Image: Steve Finn)
The oldest part of the fort – perched high on Dover’s famous White Cliffs, with a view of France 20 miles across the Channel – was built in 1775 and became the first line of defence against Napoleon Bona-parte and his naval fleet.
It was later used as a military barracks in the Crimean War and both World Wars – but in 1956 the Citadel was handed over to the Prison Service. It served as a Young Offenders Institution until 2002 when it became an Immigration Detention Centre, before finally closing in 2015.
David De Min hopes to transform his 33-acre fortress The Dover Citadel into a tourist and business destination (Image: Steve Finn)
Mr de Min said: “I believe this is one of the most exciting developments in Europe. It’s amazing.
“My partners have seen an exit and are selling. That’s fair enough, it’s business, but it won’t stop me. It’s up for sale at £15million, and we are open to offers.
“I’ve put blood, sweat and tears into this. It could be the next Pinewood Studios – we’ve already had some exciting filming taking place here.”