The building that is now home to RUSH 2The DEN has been at the heart of the Rushden community for well over a century. While it has changed hands and evolved over the years, its purpose has remained remarkably consistent: bringing people together.
1887: A Methodist Church
The building was originally constructed in 1887 as a Methodist church, serving as a place of worship and community gathering for local residents. Much of the traditional Victorian structure still forms the core of the building today.
Becoming a Community Hall
As the years passed, the building took on a new role. The Royal British Legion purchased the property and transformed it into a community hall.
To support its new purpose, they added a flat-roof extension at the rear of the building, creating:
- A kitchen
- Toilet facilities
- Two additional rooms
This was the first major expansion beyond the original church building.
The St John Ambulance Years
The building was later acquired by St John Ambulance, who continued to use it as a community hall and training centre.
During their ownership, they carried out further improvements by extending the tiled roof over the existing rear extension. This created a much larger roof space and added a usable loft area within the building.
RUSH 2The DEN Moves In
In 2014, RUSH 2The DEN began renting the building from St John Ambulance.
By this point, the property had fallen into significant disrepair. Before it could be used safely for the community, extensive work was needed, including:
- Thorough cleaning throughout
- General building repairs
- Complete electrical rewiring
- Installation of a new boiler
- A full kitchen refurbishment
These improvements transformed the building into a safe, welcoming space where children, families and the wider community could begin benefiting from RUSH 2The DEN’s services.
Securing Our Future
In 2017, St John Ambulance made the decision to sell many of its properties, including this building. RUSH 2The DEN was given just three months to either purchase the building or vacate it.
Thankfully, a supportive new owner bought the property and granted the charity a 10-year lease, allowing services to continue uninterrupted.
In May 2025, that commitment was strengthened with a new 35-year lease, along with a formal declaration giving RUSH 2The DEN permission to adapt and improve the building for charitable use.
Looking to the Future
Later in 2025, planning permission was approved for the next exciting chapter in the building’s history.
The approved plans include:
- A second floor within the existing roof space
- Additional rooms created within the eaves
- New Velux windows
- Replacement windows throughout
- Solar panels to improve energy efficiency
These improvements will allow RUSH 2The DEN to support even more children, young people and families, while preserving a building that has served the Rushden community for nearly 140 years.
What began as a Victorian church has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, that legacy continues as RUSH 2The DEN works to ensure the building remains a welcoming, vibrant place where local people can connect, learn, grow and thrive for generations to come.
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