The Marketplace of Butter
The historic Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, is undergoing a significant two-year transformation project, aiming to revitalise the area as a hub for artists, food entrepreneurs, and the local community. This redevelopment project celebrates Redruth's rich cultural heritage while supporting contemporary creative and entrepreneurial activities [1].
Built in 1825-26 by Sir Francis Basset, the Buttermarket consists of 19th-century buildings that present two elegant tripartite stone facades to Alma Street and the railway station approach road [4]. The site, located within Redruth's Conservation Area and the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Site, has been a focal point in the town, deeply connected to Cornwall's mining heritage and local industries [2][3].
Although the Buttermarket was never a true butter market, it focused on fish, meat, and shoes [8]. The main site works commenced in early 2023 and were completed in February 2025. The project to renovate the Buttermarket was won by Somerset-based architect Thread in 2020 [5].
The renovated Buttermarket now accommodates clustered units for local food providers, bookable meeting and hot-desk facilities, lettable workspaces for local businesses, and a place for community banking [6]. The new market hall building features recycled glass cladding to replace the 1970s extension [7].
The restored market buildings include a timber-framed market building with 'Redruth red' weatherboarding and a stone colonnade [9]. The large covered market structure is slate roofed over king post timber trusses. The Pork Market building, later the Auction House, was constructed in granite with arched pilasters and an elegant iron frame internally [10].
The Buttermarket's transformation is being funded by English Heritage's High Street Heritage Active Zones grant scheme, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Cornwall Council, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund [11]. The site designations of the Buttermarket were enhanced with additional Grade II-listing status, covering the whole site [12].
The renovated Buttermarket is now a bustling centre for artists, food entrepreneurs, and the local community. The 'loggia' arrangement, with ground floor market stalls and meeting space above, was a popular typology for market buildings in the early 19th century [13]. The area is set to host exhibitions and community events that highlight local artistic talent and entrepreneurs, fostering a creative atmosphere [2].
With the acquisition of the Buttermarket buildings by Redruth Revival in 2017 and the Mining Exchange in 2021, the redevelopment project is set to continue enhancing Redruth's cultural vibrancy and providing a platform for local producers and artisans [14]. The Buttermarket is on track to become a thriving hub that promotes Redruth’s identity in both historical and contemporary contexts [1][2][3].
- The Buttermarket in Redruth, a historical site undergoing a two-year transformation, is aiming to revitalize the area as a hub for artists, food entrepreneurs, and the local community, celebrating Redruth's rich cultural heritage.
- The Buttermarket project, funded by several grants, includes accommodations for local food providers, meeting and hot-desk facilities, lettable workspaces for businesses, and a place for community banking in the renovated market halls.
- The new market hall building features recycled glass cladding to replace the 1970s extension, and the restored market buildings include a timber-framed market building and a stone colonnade.
- The Buttermarket's transformation will foster a creative atmosphere by hosting exhibitions and community events that showcase local artistic talent, food entrepreneurs, and promote a sense of community.
- In addition to the Buttermarket's renewal, Redruth Revival has also acquired the Mining Exchange, ensuring that the redevelopment project will continue to enhance Redruth's cultural vibrancy, promoting the town's historical and contemporary identity.
