The Link Centre, Ashbourne

Revitalising Heritage Buildings for the Whole Community

Allan Joyce Architects were appointed by Ashbourne Methodist Church to deliver The Link Centre, a transformative project that brings together three historic buildings to create a vibrant community hub at the heart of Ashbourne.

Made possible through Levelling Up Funding as part of the successful Ashbourne Reborn programme, the project reimagines the church, church hall and Cornerstone Café to create a welcoming destination that supports worship, community activities and town centre regeneration.

Unlocking the Potential of a Historic Site

The existing Grade II listed church and church hall, together with the café, were arranged around an underused courtyard that limited how the buildings could function together.

Our design introduces a contemporary link extension that unifies the site for the first time. A new entrance foyer and café create a welcoming arrival space, while improving circulation between the existing buildings and overcoming changes in level to make the complex more accessible and intuitive to navigate.

Designed for Community Life

The Link Centre has been designed to support a wide range of community uses throughout the week. Flexible activity spaces, meeting rooms, a community café and garden provide welcoming places for people to meet, learn and socialise.

The project also includes upgraded hostel accommodation for visitors to Ashbourne and the surrounding area, together with the town's first Changing Places facility, ensuring the centre is accessible to everyone.

Alongside these new facilities, the refurbishment of the existing church and hall creates adaptable worship and event spaces that enable Ashbourne Methodist Church to expand its outreach and continue serving the local community for generations to come.

Heritage Meets Contemporary Design

Working within a sensitive historic setting, the contemporary extension has been carefully designed to complement the Grade II listed buildings while creating a confident new identity for The Link Centre.

The result is a seamless blend of heritage and modern architecture that improves accessibility, enhances the visitor experience and unlocks the full potential of the site.