Ashbourne Community Link Hub

The Existing Church 

The existing building group containing the church, church hall, (both Grade ll listed) and Cornerstone Café is set around an uninviting yard which prevents the buildings being used to their full potential by the church. Their goal is to redevelop the site to create a hub that breathes new life into Ashbourne and provides much needed facilities to all residents.  

The Vision Made Possible 

Following the successful Levelling Up Funding application as part of the Ashbourne Reborn Bid, we were appointed by Ashbourne Methodist Church to deliver their new Link Community Hub. The project involves refurbishment of the existing buildings as well as contemporary extensions to the Grade II listed church. The hub will include a range of activity spaces, meeting rooms, a café and community garden. There will also be an improved hostel residential facility for visitors to Ashbourne and the wider areas, as well as Ashbourne’s only changing places facility.

The Design

The contemporary link extension will provide the new community entrance which opens into a large entrance foyer and café space, creating a vibrant and dynamic central space within the church complex. The entrance foyer provides a point of access to all three existing buildings, linking the existing floor levels together. Directly below the foyer, a basement level provides toilet accommodation and community rooms. Other work includes the refurbishment of the existing church and hall to create a flexible worship space and facilities for larger community events, which will enable the church to strengthen its role within the community.