Inside a crowded shopping mall or market area with high ceilings, red and brick walls, and large windows. People are sitting and walking around, and there are tables and benches for seating. Bright lighting and holiday or event decorations are visible.

A cluster of Grade II listed buildings, collectively known as the Buttermarket, has been transformed into Cornwall's first food hall and a thriving cultural destination in the heart of Redruth.

The Buttermarket's history dates back to 1825, when it was built as part of a wider programme of civic improvements following centuries of markets in Redruth. Today, following extensive restoration, the site has been brought back into active use as a vibrant hub for food, culture, creativity and community.

Supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council, the project was designed to bring new energy to Redruth town centre, support independent businesses, increase footfall and help establish a stronger evening economy.

The restored site now includes the Auction House, Wheal Peevor Purser's Office and the Mining Exchange, brought together around a lively courtyard featuring independent street food kitchens, an art gallery, retail space, offices, events and community activities.

16

current Redruth Revival jobs

21

jobs in current kitchens

10

start-ups

11

tenanted spaces

£1.4m

turnover within first 18 months

Find out more

The Buttermarket is Redruth Revival's flagship regeneration project. By restoring this important historic site and bringing it back into active use, we have created a destination that supports local businesses, attracts visitors and contributes to the town centre economy.

Black and white historical photograph of a city square with people, horses, and wagons. In the background, there is a large building with a tower or steeple and a view of a mountain with several structures or towers on top.

History of the Buttermarket

Black and white photo of a small urban courtyard surrounded by old stone and wood buildings with windows, potted plants, benches, and signs, including a 'No Parking' sign and a sign for a hair and beauty salon.

Building Restoration

A group of children and an adult are gathered around a colorful poster or banner that is hanging from a string, underneath a red wooden structure. The poster contains handwritten notes, drawings, and printed images. The scene appears to be part of an outdoor event or display, with some children pointing at the poster.

Community

A crowded outdoor market or event in a courtyard surrounded by old buildings, with people walking, shopping, and socializing.

Visit the Buttermarket

“The Buttermarket is not simply a refurbishment. It is a deeply considered act of continuity, demonstrating how heritage can be a platform for renewal and how architecture can work towards rebuilding a community as much as it rebuilds space and form.”

— RIBA South West Awards

Impact

“We love the Buttermarket. A group of us girls have been friends for years, living across Falmouth, Redruth, Camborne, Hayle and Penzance, and we meet here every couple of months. It’s central, easy to park, flexible for everyone, and full of great food options. A fun, relaxed and creative place to spend time."

— Bethia Naughton-Rumbo, Customer

“[The students] came away absolutely buzzing - not just with new knowledge, but with a real sense of the social and economic impact your project has had on people’s lives in Redruth. It’s rare for a visit to land so powerfully on so many levels, and this one genuinely did.”

— Geography teacher, St Ives School

Frequently Asked Questions

The Buttermarket is operated as a social enterprise by Redruth Revival CIC. The buildings were purchased through in-kind contributions from our volunteer Directors.
We manage the site, front-of-house operations and Earles Bar. Any surplus generated is reinvested directly into the Buttermarket and Redruth Revival's wider regeneration projects for the benefit of the community.
Each kitchen, trader or business based at the Buttermarket is independently-run.
Market Way and Market Hall is separate from the Buttermarket, and is owned by Redruth Town Council.
The Buttermarket dates back to 1825 and was originally developed as part of a programme of civic improvements in Redruth. For much of its early history, it operated as a market serving local produce to the town, with a cattle market based next door in Fair Meadow.
Find out about the Buttermarket’s history here.
Redruth Revival is a Community Interest Company, and all of our Directors volunteer their time. Each kitchen, trader and business based at the Buttermarket is independently run, so profits from those businesses stay with them.
Any surplus generated through the operation of the Buttermarket is reinvested into maintaining and improving the site and delivering further regeneration, heritage and our community projects across Redruth. By supporting the Buttermarket, you're helping to support the wider town too.
The buildings were acquired through in-kind contributions from our volunteer Directors. They subsequently secured £4 million of funding for the restoration programme with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council.
Funding was awarded specifically for the restoration and regeneration of the Buttermarket buildings following a detailed and competitive national application process.
Project costs included building surveys, feasibility studies, architectural design, restoration works, fit-out, heritage interpretation, public engagement activities and initial operational support.
As heritage funding, these grants were restricted to delivering the Buttermarket regeneration project and could not be used for unrelated purposes.
For information on opening hours, food traders, events and upcoming activities, visit the Buttermarket website here.