The Royal Institute of British Architects has named The Buttermarket in Redruth, Cornwall, the winner of the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026. The award recognises the project as an exemplar of community-led regeneration within the UNESCO World Heritage Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. The prize, established in 1998 to honour the memory of teenager Stephen Lawrence, focuses exclusively on projects led by early-career architects.
Reviving a historic town centre
Jen Boddington of Architectural Thread led the transformation of a cluster of five historic buildings and a market courtyard. The site, originally established in 1825, had fallen into disrepair. Only two structures were listed at the project’s outset, but the others received Grade II status during the renovation process. The scheme reinstated the old market square while working with locally reclaimed materials and salvaged cast-iron features.
The building now functions as a flexible destination for the local community. It hosts food entrepreneurs, artists, small businesses, and hosts community events. The design prioritises minimal intervention, material reuse, and a celebration of the site’s layered heritage. Spaces within the complex accommodate pop-up food traders, markets, live music, workshops, and evening events, creating a night-time economy where one had not previously existed.
This development addresses a broader challenge facing historic towns across the United Kingdom: how to maintain relevance while respecting heritage. When historic structures fall into disuse, they often become liabilities that drain resources rather than contribute to civic life. By converting these five buildings into a functioning commercial and social hub, the project demonstrates that existing infrastructure can support contemporary economic activity if treated with technical rigour and long-term vision.
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The project’s materials reflect this philosophy. A collaboration created a sparkling wall-hung tile type never used before in the region, while the client salvaged cast-iron columns and features from the locality to re-incorporate them into the rejuvenated building. The jury noted the emotional and design intelligence of the work, describing it as architecture that understands trajectory—of time, place, and community—rather than imposing novelty.
Over a year after reopening, the space feels embedded and resilient. A glitter ball hangs in the venue, setting the tone for activities, yet the architecture itself remains deliberately modest. It does not intimidate; it invites participation.
Jen Boddington, Associate Architect at Architectural Thread, said that the work at the Buttermarket was a privilege. She added that she is grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share the skills and insights gained from the project through the Stephen Lawrence mentorship programme. The transformation stands as a deeply considered act of continuity, showing how heritage can serve as a platform for renewal.
Community-led regeneration in a World Heritage Site
Matthew Goldschmied, Jury Chair and Managing Trustee, highlighted the trust involved in the project. He noted that Redruth Revival CIC believed the buildings held potential for renewed civic pride. The architects were tasked with inspiring a connected community within new shared spaces. The pathway to transform the cluster of five listed buildings required writing a story from scratch. Jen Boddington accepted this responsibility with enthusiasm and courage.
