Restoration of former market nearing completion

Restoration work on a Grade II listed former meat market in Cornwall is nearing completion, according to the team behind the project.

The Buttermarket in Redruth is being restored by community interest company Redruth Revival as part of a £4m scheme.

The group said the building - which was built in 1825 and primarily used as a meat market for local butchers - is being transformed into a food and shopping hub with work spaces and a gallery.

It is due to open on 20 September.

Jonathan Bray, general manager of the Buttermarket Redruth, said: "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."

The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and Cornwall Council through the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme.

Redruth Revival said a number of musical events were scheduled to celebrate the opening month, including Cornish Celtic dance group Skillywidden and a disco celebrating Cornish culture.

It said buskers and pop-up markets would also be taking up residency on weekends.

Vicki Kent, heritage development trust project manager at Redruth Revival, said: "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."

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