Duke of Edinburgh celebrates Cornish revival at 1825 Buttermarket project

The Duke of Edinburgh paid a visit to Redruth’s historic Buttermarket in Cornwall on Wednesday, 22 April.

Prince Edward stepped into a building that has switched its 19th-century market roots for a fresh role as the county’s first dedicated food hall and cultural hotspot.

Once a bustling meat market dating back to 1825, the Grade II listed site has been carefully revived under a major regeneration scheme led by Redruth Revival CIC. 

During his tour, the Duke met traders, project leaders and local partners behind the transformation, taking time to hear how the redevelopment is supporting small businesses and strengthening Redruth’s growing evening economy. 

The visit also included a live musical performance by Lowender, showcasing Cornish culture and adding a lively soundtrack to the historic setting.

The Prince was also updated on Redruth’s ambitions to become Town of Culture 2028, with organisers outlining plans to expand the town’s creative and artistic profile in the coming years.

At the close of the visit, he unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the occasion, a symbolic nod to both the Buttermarket’s long past and its renewed purpose as a community hub.

The redevelopment has been supported through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and Cornwall Council under the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme. 

Delivered as a social enterprise, the project reinvests its profits back into local regeneration efforts.

Speaking on the visit, a spokesperson for Redruth Revival CIC said they were delighted to welcome the Duke.

They described the project as the result of a decade of volunteer-led commitment to restoring pride and activity in the town centre.