The Buttermarket comprises five Grade II-listed buildings around a central courtyard in Redruth, Cornwall. Originally built in 1825, this former meat market is part of the Redruth Conservation Area and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site.

Owned by the Redruth Revival CIC, the Buttermarket had been at risk of falling into disrepair. Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council meant they could begin a £4 million refurbishment project in 2017.

PCA’s conservation structural engineer Paul Carpenter was called to advise on structural alterations and repairs for this heritage-led regeneration project, including the removal of later insensitive additions that had detracted from the heritage of the site.

The aim was to leverage the building’s architecture to improve circulation and openness. Materials for the regeneration were sourced on site or reclaimed from other Cornish buildings and selected for their recyclability and long-term sustainability.

The area which required most attention from PCA was the two-storey Wheal Peevor office opening onto both Alma Place and the lower courtyard. The modern extension of the courtyard side was demolished, and in its place, a highly considered timber wall was constructed, supported on reclaimed timber beams and cast-iron columns. 

A new roof was required to span from the feature wall back to the historic wall of the Wheal Peevor office. This was achieved with bespoke queen post trusses formed with back-to-back steel angles styled to suit those common in early-twentieth century. 

Other notable work included sensitive roof strengthening over the original Mining Exchange building and the repair and replacement of defective granite columns supporting the traditional courtyard’s first floor and roof structure.

The Buttermarket re-opened in 2024 as Cornwall’s first food hall with six kitchens, a bar, coffee shop, retail, flexible workspace, and gallery space.

It now fosters economic and cultural activity through accessible, affordable spaces for food entrepreneurs, artists, small businesses, and community events, offering a sustainable model for community-led regeneration in the heart of Redruth.

This project has also won two awards at the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2025, where it won the main prize, Retrofit of the Year, and the Conservation and historic (up to £10m) category.

🏆 AWARDS

• AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2025 Retrofit of the Year

• AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2025 Conservation and historic (up to £10m)