Led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, this project will transform the existing church buildings on the corner of Church Street and Station Road to provide a range of new services to residents, businesses and visitors across Ashbourne. The church, which is a registered charity, has committed to raising significant match funding towards the redevelopment, and church partners have also contributed expertise to support and deliver the proposals.
When complete, The Link Centre will be a huge asset to the town. The project will create a new foyer to link three current buildings into one accessible suite with new and refurbished rooms of various sizes for use by community groups. A large events space will attract performances to Ashbourne as well as supporting local performing arts groups, and the community hub will also offer ensuite visitor accommodation, bringing extra footfall and visitor spend to the local economy. A co-located mobility hub will provide a range of sustainable travel options and connect directly into the Peak District.
Meeting rooms of various sizes will be developed for community and business use, and the Gateway Centre will be remodelled to provide affordable quality visitor accommodation. The Cornerstone Coffee Shop will be upgraded, and a community garden created with ramped access. Modern hostel style and family accommodation will also be provided together with a community garden and outdoor event space and a mobility hub including cycling facilities and real-time information for local buses.
Watch Tony Walker explain plans for the development of the Link
What are the benefits of the project?
The creation of the Link Community Hub will enhance vibrancy and create footfall through the creation of a performing arts and community venue. The Link will significantly increase and diversify the town centre offer and provide a valued space for meetings, flexible working and community events. An improved accommodation offer will further enhance the capture of spend from the visitor economy whilst a co-located mobility hub will provide a range of sustainable travel options and connect directly into the National Park. The package will ensure Ashbourne takes its rightful place within the regional visitor economy, providing an attractive and vibrant environment that draws in residents, visitors and businesses and re-establishes its identity as a flourishing market town.
Watch a presentation by Tony Walker, Leader of The Link Development Team
With main works due to start early in 2025, residents and business were invited to attend a series of public information events including a public meeting at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School on 3 December 2024. The meeting was open to all and provided more detail about future plans for Ashbourne, with the opportunity to ask questions about the design, location and timing of the works. The meeting was livestreamed and recorded so that anyone unable to make it can watch online.
Follow this link to watch a recording of Tony Walker's presentation about The Link Community Hub.
Download the presentation slides: Tony Walker AMC presentation 3 Dec 2024
Progress updates
- 28 January 2025: Contract awarded for construction of The Link Centre
- 14 January 2025: There has been significant progress on site in January, including stripping out the area that will become and events and performance space, clearing and opening out of spaces that will become visitor accomodation, and revealing of decorative columns and ornamentation. Read more in The Link construction update January 2025.
