We are delighted to announce that Messenger has been appointed as the Main Contractor for the construction of Ashbourne’s new community hub, The Link Centre, following a competitive tender process led by Ashbourne Methodist Church.
As specialists in the conservation and repair of historic buildings, we are excited to bring our expertise to this transformative project.
The UK Government-funded project, led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, will breathe new life into the existing church buildings located at the corner of Church Street and Station Road. Once complete, The Link Centre will provide vital new services for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The redevelopment will integrate three existing buildings into a fully accessible community hub with a new central foyer. Facilities will include a large events space for performances and community arts, a variety of refurbished meeting rooms, and ensuite visitor accommodation at Gateway Lodge, which will attract additional footfall and support the local economy. The project will also establish a mobility hub, offering sustainable travel options and seamless access to the Peak District.
This significant redevelopment is part of the broader £15.9m Ashbourne Reborn programme, which aims to revitalize the town centre. Of this, £13.4m has been secured through UK Government funding, with additional funds raised by project partners, including Ashbourne Methodist Church.
Progress So Far
Early preparatory works at the site in 2023 allowed main construction works to commence immediately following contract award. Our team has already made excellent progress, uncovering and restoring previously boxed-in decorative columns and ornamentation that will feature in the new event space.
We are committed to balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality, ensuring that these historic buildings serve the needs of Ashbourne’s community for generations to come.
Ian Bird, Regional Director at Messenger, said:
“Messenger is proud to be part of this exciting project to transform these historic buildings into a vibrant community hub. Our team is dedicated to preserving their character while creating modern, accessible spaces that will benefit Ashbourne for years to come.”
Tony Walker, leader of the Link Development Team of Ashbourne Methodist Church, commented:
“It is fantastic to see Messenger on site and making good progress. The Link team are looking forward to seeing these wonderful but aging buildings brought to life in a way that preserves our history, while creating exciting new spaces for residents, businesses and visitors to Ashbourne to use.”
The construction work, including the worship and performance spaces, is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2025, with the visitor accommodation expected to open in spring 2026.
About the Ashbourne Reborn Programme
The Ashbourne Reborn programme, led by Derbyshire Dales District Council, works in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, Ashbourne Methodist Church, Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council, and AshCom. Alongside The Link Centre project, a second initiative led by Derbyshire County Council will enhance public spaces and improve the road network, making Ashbourne more pedestrian-friendly and showcasing the town’s heritage.
For the latest updates on Ashbourne Reborn, visit www.ashbournereborn.co.uk or follow Ashbourne Reborn on Facebook and Instagram.
Photographs taken during The Link Development Team site visit in January (credit: Ashbourne Methodist Church).