Dover Fort Sale Deemed ‘Disappointing’ by Council Leader

A council leader has expressed that the sale of a historic fort in Dover is “disappointing,” given that its owners had previously committed to transforming it into a five-star hotel and innovation park. Dover Citadel Ltd acquired the 33-acre property, which encompasses 54 buildings on the Western Heights (some of which are listed), from the Ministry of Defence in 2020 for £1.8 million. Nevertheless, the site is currently being offered for sale again at £11 million, with minimal progress made on the extensive redevelopment plans. These plans had also envisioned phased completion of leisure, cultural, hospitality, and residential facilities. Kevin Mills, the district council leader, described the decision as “disappointing.” When questioned by the BBC about the feasibility of the site’s plans under new ownership, he stated: “No, I don’t think it can ever work in the way the current owners think it could.” He further elaborated, “It needs a holistic approach to get this site to work, and it hasn’t happened because of the money it would take to invest.” However, he also affirmed: “My door is open to whoever wants to buy this site; the council wants to work with you to make this happen for Dover.” David De Min, a director at Dover Citadel, commented that it was “soul-destroying having to sell this project: there is such a big vision for the site.” He continued, “This site has been here for 250 years, and I hope whatever happens with the sale, the plan to make this site what it can be happens, and I can be part of it.” Responding to inquiries about the limited regeneration progress, he explained: “I’ve invested friends, family and my money into this site. It’s such a complex site; we’ve had to take time to get things right.” The redevelopment initiative had received multiple grants over recent years, including a £1.85 million grant in 2022 from the government’s Getting Building Fund. Additionally, this year, Historic England provided a £149,000 grant specifically for the conservation of the broader Western Heights area. Constructed in the 18th century, the Citadel was fortified to defend against French incursions during the Napoleonic Wars. Subsequently, it served as a defensive location during both world wars, and in 1950, the War Office transferred the facility to the Prison Service. From the early 2000s until its closure in 2015, it operated as the Dover Immigration Removals Centre in Kent. More recently, the site has been utilized as a film set for productions, including Marvel’s Kraven the Hunter. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.