REDRUTH’S historic Buttermarket is celebrating winning two major national architecture awards at the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony.

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 heritage sites and the architectural talent behind its transformation.

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 leadership of project architect Jen Boddington of Architectural Thread.

Originally established in 1825-26 as part of Redruth’s 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.

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 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.

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.

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.”