The Buttermarket in Redruth has won two major national architecture awards, with Redruth Revival CIC and Architectural Thread celebrating recognition at the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony in London on 15th October.
The project received the inaugural RIBA Conservation Award 2026 and the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, recognising the sensitive restoration of one of Redruth’s most significant historic sites and the architectural talent behind its transformation
The awards follow the Buttermarket’s success at the 2026 RIBA South West & Wessex Awards, where it received an RIBA Award, Claire Fear of Architectural Thread was named Project Architect of the Year, and Redruth Revival CIC received Client of the Year. The project was also shortlisted for the national RIBA Reinvention Award, while Redruth Revival was shortlisted for the RIBA Client of the Year Award.
Originally established in 1825-26 as part of Redruth’s historic market complex, the Buttermarket comprises five Grade II-listed buildings around a central courtyard, within the Redruth Conservation Area and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Acquired by Redruth Revival CIC in 2017, the site has been transformed through a carefully considered programme of heritage-led regeneration, with a focus on Cornish and reclaimed materials. The project has restored the buildings’ architectural character, reinstated historic views and reopened the courtyard as a welcoming public space.
Today, the Buttermarket is home to Cornwall’s first food hall, bringing together six independent street-food kitchens alongside retail, gallery, office and community spaces.
Photo credit: Lottie Matthews
Photo credit: Sam Little
Recognising conservation and architectural talent
The RIBA Conservation Award recognises projects that creatively repair, adapt or restore historic buildings and places. The Stephen Lawrence Prize celebrates emerging architectural talent and projects led by early-career project architects. The Buttermarket’s success in both awards recognises the quality of its conservation and the role of project architect Jen Boddington of Architectural Thread.
The national RIBA juries praised the Buttermarket as a “deeply considered act of continuity” and “conservation with innovative design”.
Matthew Goldschmied, chair of the 2026 Stephen Lawrence Prize jury, described the project as “a compelling story of trust and interdependency evolved through architectural ingenuity”. The jury recognised Boddington’s contribution, highlighting the “diligence, determination and creativity” she brought to the project.
The Conservation Award jury, chaired by Liz Smith of Purcell, praised how the scheme “reveals and celebrates the site’s historic character while preserving the rich details of its existing buildings”.
The judges also highlighted the project’s balance of conservation and contemporary design, commending its use of local materials and craftsmanship to preserve Cornwall’s industrial heritage while responding to the needs of the community.
Claire Fear, Director, Architectural Thread said, "Our approach is centred on careful conservation and editing of the building fabric, and a philosophy of minimal intervention. It means a lot to us for the Buttermarket to be awarded the first ever RIBA Conservation Award, recognising the value of a research-led process in drawing out and revealing the heart and soul of the building. The Buttermarket has a rich history which has been made manifest as the foundations of its new role as a contemporary community hub. "
The project combines sensitive conservation with contemporary interventions, including reclaimed materials and innovative recycled glass elements. By removing insensitive additions and revealing the character of the historic buildings, the design gives the site a new purpose while respecting its past.
Jen Boddington, Associate Architect, Architectural Thread said, "Our work at the Buttermarket was grounded in in-depth research, community consultation and rigorous attention to detail. It prioritised minimal intervention, material reuse and celebrated the site’s layered social and architectural heritage. It was a privilege to work alongside Redruth CIC, and to learn from the buildings, heritage and community. I am grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share the skills and insights I’ve gained from the project to others through the Stephen Lawrence mentorship programme.
Photo credit: Sam Little
Photo credit: Claire Fear
A lasting impact for Redruth
The Buttermarket demonstrates how heritage-led regeneration can support town-centre vitality, creating opportunities for independent businesses, artists and food entrepreneurs while strengthening community life.
Ross Williams MBE, Chair of Redruth Revival CIC, said: “The directors of Redruth Revival CIC are a small group of local activists and volunteers who have spent more than 10 years getting the Buttermarket project to fruition. When we started, the buildings were in a very poor state, and there was a real risk they would be demolished as they were mostly unlisted at that point. We’re delighted that the success of the project is being recognised at national level, and this all helps towards our goal of breathing new life into Redruth town centre. We have loved working with the team at Thread, and it’s a real joy to see their expertise being recognised by such an important platform.”
The project has been delivered through collaboration between Redruth Revival, Architectural Thread, contractors, consultants, funders, tenants and the wider community. Support has included The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Cornwall Council through the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
For Redruth Revival, the awards mark an important milestone in its ongoing work to bring historic buildings back into use, support local enterprise and create a sustainable future for the town.
The Buttermarket welcomes visitors to explore its independent food businesses, retail and gallery spaces, historic courtyard and programme of events and cultural activity at the heart of Redruth.
For more information, visit buttermarket.org or redruth-revival.org.