Market scoops two national architecture awards

A historic town market has won two prestigious national architecture awards, restoration leaders say.

The Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, has been recognised for its conservation and architectural excellence at the 2026 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards in London.

The building, which was built in 1825 and primarily used as a meat market for butchers, was restored for £4m by community interest company Redruth Revival in 2024 and turned into a modern food hall, events and shopping hub.

Ross Williams, from Redruth Revival, said it was "really great to be recognised" for work on a "building that had run out of steam".

The Buttermarket is comprised of five Grade II listed buildings around a central courtyard space within the Redruth Conservation Area and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The space features a collection of kitchens, shops, galleries and a large courtyard.

The regeneration, which had funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council, restored the "buildings' architectural character, reinstated historic views and reopened the courtyard as a welcoming public space".

It received the inaugural RIBA Conservation Award 2026 and the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, recognising the sensitive restoration of one of the town's most significant historic sites and the architectural talent behind its transformation.

Williams said they were praised on how they transformed "a semi-derelict space" when the company purchased it in 2017 into a "thriving hub of hospitality, entertainment and workspaces" and the contribution its making to the town's economy and nightlife.

He added that one of its architects, Jen Boddington, won an award for the best project led by an early career architect.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.