Could the next Pinewood Studios rise on the famed White Cliffs of Dover in southern England? Entrepreneur David de Min is betting on it. The 33-year-old visionary is on the hunt for investors to help him transform The Citadel, a 33-acre historic fortress overlooking the English Channel, into a world-class destination for film production, tourism, and business.
Situated just 75 miles southeast of London and 20 miles across the Channel from France, The Citadel sits atop Dover’s iconic cliffs, offering panoramic views and a location brimming with cinematic potential. Built in 1775 as a military stronghold against Napoleon, the fortress boasts a storied history as an army barracks, young offenders’ institution, and immigration detention center before its closure in 2015. Now, de Min envisions a new role for the property: a cultural landmark with a thriving film studio at its heart.
“This is one of the most exciting developments in Europe,” de Min said in an interview. “We’ve already hosted some incredible filming projects here. The Citadel has the potential to be the next Pinewood Studios, right here on the edge of the White Cliffs.”
De Min and his business partners originally purchased the site from the UK’s Ministry of Justice for £1.8 million (approximately $2.2 million) in 2020. Over the past three years, de Min has invested millions of pounds into the redevelopment, which aims to turn the fortress into a dynamic destination complete with hotels, restaurants, a whisky distillery, a wellness spa, and a music and arts venue.
But the ambitious project has hit a bump in the road. De Min’s original investors have decided to sell their shares, leaving the entrepreneur to seek new partners willing to buy into his $18 million vision.
“I was gutted when my partners decided to pull out—it threw everything into chaos,” de Min admitted. “But I’m not giving up. This is too important. I need someone who shares my passion for what The Citadel can become.”
The Citadel’s picturesque location—perched on cliffs that have served as a symbol of Britain’s resilience since World War II—adds to its appeal as a filming site. Just a two-hour drive from London and accessible via ferry from Calais, France, the fortress is perfectly positioned for productions looking to shoot in Europe while remaining close to the UK’s film industry infrastructure.
De Min’s dream for The Citadel goes beyond film production. His vision includes establishing a business hub, attracting tourists from around the globe, and creating a cultural venue that can host music festivals, art exhibitions, and wellness retreats.
“This is about more than just making movies,” he said. “It’s about creating something iconic—a destination that people from around the world will come to experience.”
With The Citadel now listed for £15 million (about $18 million) and open to offers, de Min is calling on bold investors to join him in bringing his vision to life. For those with an eye for opportunity, the chance to own a piece of history while shaping the future of the entertainment industry in Europe is on the table.
Time will tell if this ambitious project becomes reality, but one thing is clear: The White Cliffs of Dover might soon be more than a symbol of the past—they could be the backdrop for Europe’s next Hollywood moment.
