Former Prison Site to Become Hub for Innovation
- David de Min acquires a moated citadel from the MoD in Kent.
- Plans to turn the citadel into a start-up mecca, similar to Silicon Valley.
- Aiming to create a tech hub in Kent with support from high-level connections.
In a transformative project, David de Min, 33, has acquired a 33-acre site known as the Citadel for £1.8 million from the Ministry of Defence. The site, which has a storied history as a prison and immigration detention center since the 1950s, is set to undergo a significant redevelopment aimed at fostering inspiration and innovation. De Min expressed his vision for the site, stating, “It has gone from the most advanced site protecting the UK, then to a place of incarceration, and now it will be a place to inspire and innovate.” The Citadel, characterized by its imposing architecture, is accessed via a concrete bridge that spans a now-dry moat. The entrance features a marble arch, flanked by military-grade cameras that de Min has installed to ensure security. This juxtaposition of past and future highlights the site's evolution from a stronghold of confinement to a potential center for creativity and progress. De Min's plans for the Citadel include transforming the space into a vibrant community hub that encourages collaboration and innovation among various sectors. The redevelopment aims to attract businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives, fostering an environment conducive to new ideas and technological advancements. As the project unfolds, the Citadel is poised to become a symbol of regeneration, reflecting a shift from its historical role in security and detention to a forward-looking space that champions innovation and community engagement.