THE newly renovated courtyard of artisan kitchen spaces in Redruth will welcome guests in September.

Work is hotting up at the Buttermarket, a restoration project being completed by the not-for-profit Community Interest Company Redruth Revival, ahead of its grand opening on September 20.

The historic marketplace is being transformed into a modern food and shopping hub, featuring a collection of ‘Street Food Style' businesses within a shared dining hall, retail spaces and a large courtyard where events can be held. The development also contains work spaces and a gallery.

Jonathan Bray, general manager of The Buttermarket Redruth, said: “As we reach the home straight it’s exciting to see the space start to come alive, and we cannot wait to welcome guests through our freshly painted doors in September.

The Buttermarket has been in the works for several years, initial fundraising to purchase the dilapidated courtyard began way back in 2017. So, to see the final pieces coming together is immensely satisfying.”

Businesses confirmed to be taking up residence at the new Buttermarket include Bango Kitchen in the food hall, Saint Piran Cycling in the new 'Mining Exchange' retail establishment and community lead digital station Redruth Radio - who will be establishing their new headquarters at the market.

A number of musical events are scheduled to celebrate the opening month, including Cornish Celtic dance music legends Skillywidden and a world music infused ‘Diaspora Disco’ both celebrating themes from the towns Pasty and Mining Festival. Buskers and pop-up markets will also be taking up residency during the weekend daytimes.

The Buttermarket site can be accessed from a new entrance lobby on Alma Place, via a public walkway through the site on Station Hill, from the Fair Meadow car park or just off Fore Street via Market Way. It is currently closed to the public whilst the £4-million restoration of the Grade II listed property is completed but will very soon be open and a hive of activity.

Vicki Kent, Heritage Development Trust project manager at Redruth Revival, added: “Redruth Revival’s goal is to contribute to the development of a strong, sustainable, and socially inclusive economy in Redruth that will benefit our communities and our businesses. The Buttermarket is the first property we have refurbished, and the hope is its success will generate profit which in turn can be used to save and re-purpose another of our town's historic buildings.

“We believe the future of town centres depends on providing a mix of goods, services and experiences that will bring people back into our towns – we can provide unique, characterful, vibrant, and exciting places where people want to shop, relax, eat, drink, socialise and work.”

Originally built in 1825, the Buttermarket was primarily used as a meat market for local butchers, securing Redruth’s position as the largest marketplace in Cornwall. The upper floor of the market house was a popular meeting space, providing a blueprint for the current restoration, and allowing a return to history with a modern twist.

This project has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council through the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

Stuart McLeod, director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are very proud to have supported Redruth Revival in the transformation of the Buttermarket.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this cluster of historic buildings is being revitalised, creating new opportunities for local businesses, and introducing a destination food court and events hub to animate the town centre. It is vital that we support our historic market towns to adapt and regenerate, and this project is a fantastic example of the local community leading the way to make this happen.”

“This project is for the people of Redruth, organised by those dedicated to the town and giving it a new lease of life - we can’t wait to re-establish the Buttermarket as the jewel in the crown of Redruth. This really will be Cornwall's coolest comeback!” concluded Jonathan.

“We hope that Redruth will come out in force on September 20th to be a part of a moment of history. No two trips to the Buttermarket will be the same so please come and join us for the first of many unforgettable events.”

The Buttermarket officially opens on the eve of Redruth’s Pasty and Mining Festival, for lunch and dinner, followed by the ticketed ‘Diaspora Disco’ from 8.30pm onwards. There is every possibility that the site will open earlier that week to the people of the town, with first looks appearing on the market’s social media feeds. This renovation highlights heritage preservation, community development, and the resurgence of local economies.