The Ashbourne Reborn programme took another significant step forward on Tuesday when Ashbourne Methodist Church’s planning application for the development of church buildings into a multi-purpose community hub was approved unanimously.
Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Planning Committee voted in support of the Planning and Listed Building applications for the Link Community Hub.
Work can start on the church next year subject to meeting conditions relating to ecology, the protection of wildlife and flood risk.
This project forms an important part of the Ashbourne Reborn programme and will see the building of a new foyer linking three current buildings into one accessible suite, creating a flexible performance, events and worship space.
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.
Work is anticipated to start in June 2024, and be completed by summer 2025.
Speaking after the meeting, Tony Walker, leader of the Link Development Team of Ashbourne Methodist Church, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received planning permission for the full scheme as envisioned in the Ashbourne Reborn proposals.
“Our vision is to provide a seven-days-a-week community, arts and church resource which contributes to our town for decades to come. With this approval, and the funding we have, we can look forward with confidence to this vision becoming a reality."
In January this year central government approved a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid designed to transform the town centre. LUF is contributing £13.4m and the total programme will cost £15.2m.
The bid was developed through close working with local partners who brought forward project ideas, identified opportunities and raised match-funding for the bid. Ashbourne Reborn is led by Derbyshire Dales District Council working with Derbyshire County Council and Ashbourne Methodist Church as key delivery partners, in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom.
The redevelopment of Ashbourne Methodist Church is budgeted to cost £6.418m, with £4.972m from Levelling Up Fund and £1.446 in match funding raised by the church. Significant funds have already been raised from church members and friends as well as grants from the Methodist Church, grant giving organisations and local businesses.
YouTube video
The December Planning Committee debate is available to watch again below:
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