THE renovation of a historic Cornish building has been shortlisted for several prestigious awards to be presented at the RIBA Stirling Prize in October.

Redruth Revival CIC acquired the Buttermarket in 2017 to safeguard the site’s cultural significance. Following a £4m renovation, it reopened in November 2024 as a thriving community hub for food vendors, artists, small businesses and events.

It has been shortlisted for four awards by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), including the inaugural Conservation Award, the Reinvention Award, the Stephen Lawrence Prize for best project led by an early career project architect - in this case Jen Boddington from Wellington practice Thread - and Client of the Year, honouring the role Redruth Revival played in the Buttermarket’s transformation.

Buttermarket renovations in Redruth
The Buttermarket during renovation work (Cornwall Council)

Established in 1825 and later extended and partly rebuilt, the Buttermarket site consists of five historic buildings around a market courtyard. The buildings had fallen into disrepair, and only two were listed at the project’s outset; the others were designated during the process, all at Grade II.

Through careful conservation, selective demolition and the introduction of a contemporary food hall, the scheme has restored the site’s architectural character and reinstated historic views. As well as using locally reclaimed materials including cast-iron columns, materials included a sparkling wall-hung tile type never used before, and bespoke recycled materials that helped to achieve outstanding sustainable credentials.

The renovated Buttermarket entrance
The renovated Buttermarket entrance (Thread/Claire Fear )

The Conservation Award jury was struck by the project’s “emotional and design intelligence”, remarking: “This is architecture that understands trajectory – of time, of place, and of community.”

Ross Williams, chair of the Redruth Revival CIC board, paid tribute to “a small group of local activists and volunteers who have spent more than 10 years getting the Buttermarket project to fruition”.

He added: “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 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.”

Claire Fear, founding director and project architect at Thread, described the shortlisting as “hugely gratifying”, adding: “Our work at the Buttermarket demonstrates how historic sites can be reimagined as thriving contemporary spaces and have a great impact on regional communities.

“The project respects the past while embracing the future, ensuring the Buttermarket remains an important part of Cornwall’s cultural and social fabric. This kind of project takes a brave client, and we couldn’t have asked for one more engaged and committed than Redruth Revival CIC.”

The Buttermarket is joined on the Conservation Award shortlist by Rochdale Town Hall, Kensal House in West London and Pembroke College, Cambridge. RIBA President Chris Williamson said: “Together, the shortlisted projects set an inspiring benchmark for how thoughtful restoration and adaptation can preserve our architectural legacy, while ensuring historic places continue to enrich communities for generations to come.”

All award winners will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday, October 15 at Old Billingsgate in London.