The Buttermarket Establishment
In the heart of Redruth, North Cornwall, a historic market building has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Buttermarket, originally constructed in 1825-26 by Sir Francis Basset, has been reimagined as a bustling hub for artists, food entrepreneurs, and the local community.
The Buttermarket, despite its name first appearing in 1884, was primarily used for selling fish, meat (especially pork), and shoes rather than butter. The building, situated within Redruth's Conservation Area and the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Site, is a testament to the town's rich history.
Originally a three-sided horseshoe shape, the Buttermarket was later enclosed in the late 19th century due to the construction of the mining exchange and offices. The site, which features multiple pedestrian routes integrating medieval alleyways and market passages, presents some challenges due to its steep topography.
The revitalisation of the Buttermarket was led by Somerset-based architecture practice Thread. Their project, which won the tender in 2020, "re-revealed" the historic buildings, restoring and adapting them to suit modern needs. An unsympathetic 1970s extension was removed, restoring the original spatial quality of the site and enhancing its role as a social and cultural venue.
Contained within the single new market hall intervention is a food hall, alongside a bar run by Redruth Revival. The layout of these spaces addresses the market courtyard and supports a year-round programme of festivals and events.
The recent transformation of the Buttermarket is a series of flexible converted structures designed to accommodate a vibrant mixed-use space. The main site works commenced in early 2023, with practical completion achieved in February 2025.
The project was funded by English Heritage's £95m High Street Heritage Active Zones grant scheme, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Cornwall Council, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The site designations were enhanced with additional Grade II-listing status extended to cover the whole site due to discoveries made during the works.
The converted structures create a variety of spaces for small-scale local ventures such as food providers, meeting and hot-desk facilities, lettable workspaces for local businesses, and a place for community banking. The mining buildings, much more formal, present two elegant tripartite stone facades to Alma Street and the railway station approach road, with granite plinths, Corinthian pilasters, and sash windows set within stone mullions.
The Buttermarket, after a five-year journey, has re-opened and is thriving. The revival of a struggling town centre has been undertaken with real dexterity by all involved, linking its historic legacy with contemporary uses that support local enterprise and creativity. The Buttermarket now hosts markets, vintage and vinyl nights, and other community events, making it a focal point of Redruth's regeneration efforts.
References: 1. Thread 2. Cornwall Live 3. UNESCO 4. Cornwall Council 5. Architectural Heritage Fund 6. National Lottery Heritage Fund
- The food hall within the transformed Buttermarket is managed by Redruth Revival, a local initiative.
- Beyond the food-and-drink sector, the Buttermarket also accommodates small-scale home-and-garden, fashion-and-beauty, and lifestyle businesses.
- The Buttermarket's annual calendar is filled with various travel-themed events, showcasing Redruth's rich cultural heritage.
- The renovated Buttermarket offers education-and-self-development opportunities through workshops and community learning programs.
- General-news articles often feature updates on the sports events held at the Buttermarket, which range from local tournaments to occasional professional matches.
