The Marketplace of Butters
The historic Buttermarket in Redruth, North Cornwall, has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its industrial past to become a thriving hub for artists, food entrepreneurs, and the local community.
Originally built in 1825-26, the Buttermarket was a significant part of Redruth's grand commercial heritage, linked to the tin and copper mining boom of the 18th and 19th centuries [1][3]. The site, which lies at the heart of the town, was originally a three-sided horseshoe shape, with steps cascading from east to west into the sunken market courtyard [2].
Over the years, the Buttermarket was never a true butter market for the sale of dairy goods, with its focus being on fish, meat, and shoes [1]. However, the recent redevelopment project has breathed new life into the building, transforming it into a space that accommodates clustered units for local food providers, bookable meeting and hot-desk facilities, lettable workspaces for local businesses, and a place for community banking [1].
The project to redevelop the Buttermarket was won by Somerset-based architect Thread in 2020 [5]. The renovation has preserved the building’s historical character while adapting the space for modern uses, including studios and space for creative industries and food-related businesses [4]. The new market hall building has recycled glass cladding to replace the 1970s extension, creating a more coherent infill that links the adjacent spaces [6].
The Buttermarket's restoration has been funded by various sources, including English Heritage's £95m High Street Heritage Active Zones grant scheme, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Cornwall Council, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund [1]. The site designations of the Buttermarket were enhanced with additional Grade II-listing status, as more of its heritage value became apparent during the works [7].
The mining buildings at the Buttermarket site have granite plinths, Corinthian pilasters, and sash windows set within stone mullions, displaying the increasing wealth of the time [8]. The restored market buildings include a large covered market structure, slate roofed over king post timber trusses, and the Pork Market building (later the Auction House) constructed in granite with arched pilasters and an elegant iron frame internally [9].
The Buttermarket is situated within Redruth's Conservation Area and the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Site [10]. The main site works commenced in early 2023 and Practical Completion was achieved in February 2025 [11]. The historic site has been carefully re-revealed and given back to the community [12].
Redruth Revival, a Community Interest Company, was the client for the project [13]. Their development strategy was not driven by short-term commercial gain, but instead by a self-imposed mandate to assist with supporting long-term community resilience [14]. As a result, the Buttermarket re-opened after a five-year journey and is thriving [15].
The operational carbon use at the Buttermarket is estimated to be reduced by 45 per cent [16]. This transformation not only preserves a piece of Redruth's rich industrial mining past but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the town.
Sources: 1. Cornwall Live 2. English Heritage 3. Cornwall Council 4. Cornish Buildings Group 5. Thread Architects 6. Cornwall Live 7. English Heritage 8. English Heritage 9. Cornwall Live 10. Cornwall Council 11. Cornwall Council 12. Cornwall Council 13. Cornwall Council 14. Cornwall Live 15. Cornwall Council 16. Cornwall Council
- We can now find a variety of businesses and food providers in the revitalized Buttermarket, including bookable meeting spaces, hot-desk facilities, and local businesses that offer food and drink.
- The redeveloped Buttermarket also houses clustered units for food entrepreneurs, providing a hub for the local community and fostering a lively atmosphere that includes creative industries, fashion, and beauty.
- In the wider context, the Buttermarket's transformation has played a significant role in Redruth's sustainable development, reducing its operational carbon use by 45 percent and contributing to a more eco-friendly future.
- For those seeking travel, education, self-development, or even home and garden inspiration, the Buttermarket's proximity to Redruth's Conservation Area and the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Site makes it a prime location for cultural exploration and learning.
