Elizabeth Smith presents the inaugural RIBA Conservation Award to the Buttermarket

The winning project in Redruth, Cornwall, transformed a neglected Grade II-listed building and a market courtyard into a welcoming, fully accessible venue, demonstrating how sensitive conservation and contemporary design can reinvigorate industrial heritage for the benefit of local communities.

Speaking at last week’s RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony in London, Liz said: “Through sensitive conservation, the removal of insensitive additions and the use of contemporary design rooted in local materials and craftsmanship, this joyful project reveals and celebrates the site’s historic character while preserving the rich details of its existing buildings. 

By balancing conservation with innovative design, the project preserves Cornwall’s rich industrial heritage while responding to contemporary community needs, breathing new life into this historic place.”  

Liz’s role as Jury Chair reflects Purcell’s commitment to celebrating conservation and creative adaptive reuse as fundamental to how architecture can address social and environmental challenges of our time. Expert restoration and thoughtful design can protect our heritage places and enable them to welcome communities into the future.