Redruth’s £4 Million Buttermarket Transformation to Open Next Week: A New Hub for Food and Events

The long-awaited renovation of Redruth’s historic Buttermarket is nearly complete, with the newly modernised kitchen courtyard and event space set to open on 14th November. This £4 million project, led by Community Interest Company Redruth Revival, brings new life to the town’s centre with a vibrant mix of food stalls, retail spaces, and community areas.

A Culinary Lineup to Excite Local Food Lovers

The Buttermarket will feature six independent kitchens offering diverse cuisines, each bringing its unique flavour to the town. Visitors can look forward to dishes from Bango Kitchen, known for its acclaimed Asian street food; Cowgirls, a gourmet burger spot; and Little Ears, a neighbourhood Italian known for homemade pasta. The lineup also includes Cath’s Cornish Kitchen, The Jar with its Indian and Sri Lankan street food, and Earth and Soul, which offers Mediterranean dishes with a Cornish twist.

Starting at 5pm on opening day, guests can explore the Buttermarket’s kitchens, with lunch menus available Tuesday to Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday.

A Historic Marketplace Reimagined

Redruth Revival’s restoration efforts have breathed new life into a Grade II listed site, previously at risk of deterioration. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England, and Cornwall Council, the project has transformed this historic area into a modern community destination. New access points, including an entrance lobby on Alma Place and pathways from Station Hill, make the Buttermarket accessible and inviting.

Vicki Kent, Project Manager at Redruth Revival, highlighted the project’s broader community impact: “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.”

Photo: Redruth Revival board members with Vicki Kent, Heritage Development Project Manager and Jonathan Bray, General Manager

Preview Event and Community Plans

Ahead of its official opening, the Buttermarket hosted a taster event on 7th November, where 120 guests sampled the kitchens’ offerings, generating excitement for the public launch. Visitors will also find Earle’s Bar, serving local ales, wines, and cocktails, alongside Koffi Melyn coffee counter for daytime refreshments.

Jonathan Bray, General Manager of the Buttermarket Redruth, expressed his excitement: “It’s great to see our kitchens settling into their new homes now the building work is complete, the only missing piece of the puzzle is welcoming the local community through our doors.”

Christmas Events on the Horizon

Once open, the Buttermarket will host regular community events, including a festive programme soon to be announced. The space aims to draw visitors back to Redruth’s centre, providing opportunities for locals to enjoy a unique mix of shopping, dining, and social activities.

“This project is for the people of Redruth, organised by those passionate about the town and giving it a new lease of life,” Jonathan added. “We truly believe our selection of kitchens has something for everyone and hope the town comes out in force to enjoy this wonderful food and share this incredible space.”

The Buttermarket’s grand opening is free to the public, with further details, including future event announcements, available on the project’s social media pages.