Construction work is due to start on the development of The Link community hub at Ashbourne Methodist Church, which will provide a range of new services to residents, businesses and visitors across Ashbourne.
The project will transform the existing church buildings on the corner of Church Street and Station Road, where a new foyer will link three current buildings into one accessible suite with event space for performing arts, new flexible workspace, and quality affordable accommodation to attract visitors to the town.
Throughout this year, the church’s volunteers been working hard to complete designs & specifications and evaluate costs, with support from architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other professionals. The team has also gone out to tender for the main contract and fully discharged the many pre-start planning conditions.
Recently, volunteers from the church and community, supported by professionals, have delivered significant preparatory and enabling works including carefully removing the pews, which will be re-purposed for use within the new building. They have also cleared out all of the accumulated items from 144 years of use, stripped out the boiler room and lifted paving slabs from the courtyard for potential reuse in the community garden. Contractors have erected scaffolding and over the coming days will begin the process of dismantling the prefab building from the rear of the church.
In November, contractors will start to excavate the ground between the church, Cornerstone Coffee House and Century Hall, and to lay the foundations for the new Link building. Cornerstone will remain open as usual during these groundworks.
The church, which is a registered charity, has committed to raising £1.4m in match funding towards the £6.4m redevelopment, as well as contributing expertise to deliver the proposals. The development of The Link community hub is one of two key projects of the £15.2m UK Government funded Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme, which aims to bring back vibrancy, vitality and economic prosperity to Ashbourne town centre.
Tony Walker, leader of the Link Development Team of Ashbourne Methodist Church, said: “As we approach the start of construction works, I am grateful to the Link team, partners and volunteers whose hard work has got us to this point.
“From a flexible performing arts space to new meeting rooms, The Link community hub will benefit residents, businesses and visitors across Ashbourne. When it is complete, the venue will also provide job and volunteer opportunities as well as improved accommodation at Gateway Lodge to support the visitor economy.”
Even though the main church buildings are closed, Ashbourne Methodist Church continues to serve the local community. Its baby & toddler group, Welly Club, now meets at the Town Hall, while Craft & Chat and the Mustard youth group continue in Cornerstone. Worship services take place every Sunday morning at Hilltop School, with the Afternoon Tea Service and Praise happening at St Oswald’s Church Hall. St Oswald’s Church Hall is also hosting social events, such as a board games marathon, and Fish & Chips Church.
As part of the project, the Cornerstone Coffee House is due to be upgraded, although it remains open for business and is not affected by the current works. Paul Taylor, who runs Cornerstone said, “'We are pleased to continue to open our usual hours serving great coffee, amazing cakes and quality food and we look forward to welcoming both our regulars and those who haven't visited us before.” It is likely that the coffee shop will temporarily relocate within the town in spring/summer 2025.
Representatives of Ashbourne Methodist Church will share more information at a public meeting and drop-ins about the Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme. The sessions are open to all, including a public meeting 6pm-8pm on 3 December at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, and drop-ins 5pm-7pm on 26 November and 10:30am-1:30pm on 28 November at Ashbourne library.