The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, has officially launched The Buttermarket in Redruth, an innovative transformation of Grade II listed buildings into the West Country’s first European-style food court, work and retail space.
The £4-million project is the vision of Redruth Revival Community Interest Company, led by six local volunteer directors whose aim is to ‘breathe new life into Redruth town centre’.
The Buttermarket, which began trading in November, has already become a magnet destination for all ages, not just from the Redruth area but from across Cornwall.
The Lord Lieutenant said: “I am really delighted to be here at the start of the next stage in Redruth’s revival. It was at the centre of Cornish life and prosperity for so long, so it is great to see new ideas and initiatives coming to the town and to see the enthusiasm of everyone concerned.
“Many thanks to all involved in this development for their hard work and determination, to the tenants who will bring life and prosperity to the place, and to everyone in the local area who has supported the project and I hope will benefit from it.”
Redruth Revival CIC Chair, Judy Davidson MBE, thanked the funders, all the volunteers and talented professionals involved, including Thread Architects, and Jewell Construction, who have helped make the Board’s vision a reality.
Mrs Davidson, a former mayor of Redruth, has worked on the project for 10 years with fellow directors Jan Driver, Paul Harris, Aaron Pascoe, Tamsin Spargo and Ross Williams.
Stephen Boyce, a regional committee member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “Redruth Revival CIC has done a fantastic job, not only saving these important historic buildings from decay and potential loss, but ensuring that they can play a vital part in Redruth’s social and economic future.
“This is precisely what the Heritage Enterprise scheme, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, was designed to do and I’m delighted that Redruth Revival has been able to put National Lottery players’ money to such positive use.”
The lunchtime launch, with food provided by Bango Kitchen, one of the six food providers in the new venue, was also attended by representatives of the Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, and Cornwall Council, who have all supported the project.
The funders were given a guided tour of the cluster of historic buildings now transformed into gallery, retail and workspaces, as well as the innovative kitchens and a bar with indoor and courtyard seating and event space.
In the evening 150 guests were welcomed to The Buttermarket to sample the kitchens’ global food offer and enjoyed entertainment from local musicians Hedluv & Passman before dancing under the building’s eye-catching mirror ball to celebrate Cornwall’s newest venue.
The Buttermarket offers foods from across the world in independent kitchens, allowing visitors with different tastes to dine together in a historic courtyard setting just yards from Redruth’s independent shops. Earles Bar, named after a business once on this site, provides Cornish craft beers and selected wines.
Jonathan Bray, general manager of The Buttermarket, said: “To see this iconic building come alive again is nothing short of joyous. We’re committed to delivering experiences and events on a regular basis as The Buttermarket becomes the new beating heart of Redruth and a major attraction in Cornwall.”
Events for all ages are already underway and the spacious courtyard promises to be an ideal summer venue. The Buttermarket is located off Station Hill and Alma Place, close to the railway station and bus stops.
Redruth Revival CIC has also bought the adjacent Fairmeadow car park, where daytime parking costs have been reduced and evening parking is free. All profits from Redruth CIC properties are re-invested in regeneration projects in Redruth.
Redruth Revival CIC, which is Cornwall’s only Heritage Development Trust, is currently scoping new projects to continue the transformation of the town into what’s been called ‘Cornwall’s coolest comeback.’