Until October 2007, Staplehurst Free Church met in a building that was formerly the village hall and, through the work of the church, the premises had continued to be an important focal point within the local community. In 2007, the building was receiving on average 200-300 visits per week, or 13,0000 person-visits per annum.

The origin of the main hall was a First World War aircraft hanger, relocated to its the site in 1923. Numerous additions had been made to the building over time but the structures that made up the building were really a ‘hotch potch’ of sections. As a whole, these had become dilapidated and unsustainable to maintain.

The current premises were in a very poor condition and in places are not watertight or structurally safe. The building is was also not big or safe enough to accommodate the increased attendance at church services and increased use, by people of every age spectrum, of the facilities and clubs provided. In 2007, the church members took the decision to demolish the old building and build a new, more community-oriented church building on the site. The old building was eventually demolished in March 2008.