Architects to have designs on Hereford’s iconic Buttermarket

Herefordshire Council has launched a national competition to design a Victorian-style interior to improve the much-loved Buttermarket in Hereford.

A regeneration grant of £35,000 has been awarded by the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) to fund the design competition as part of the council’s plans to boost the city’s retail economy. 

The Buttermarket Steering Group - comprising Buttermarket traders and Herefordshire Council – agreed to seek ideas that reflect a traditional Victorian style for the market, which started trading in 1860 and today, still has popular appeal for local people.

The grant allows for prizes of £5,000 to be awarded to the best five ideas presented by architects in an open design competition, which will be managed for the council by the respected Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The Institute’s Competition Office in Leeds offers a national profile and service, which follows a professional process.

Herefordshire Council will put together a judging panel – including representation for the Buttermarket traders - to assess the ideas. The competition was launched on 8 March and the council will announce the winning design in the summer of this year.
 
A public consultation was undertaken in 2009 and almost 1000 people took part. Two thirds favoured a traditional Victorian interior, while just one in six people preferred a ‘more modern style’. Almost all the responses (95 per cent) were from people who live in Herefordshire, half of which visit the market about once a week.

“Local people love the Buttermarket and they strongly support the proposal for the covered market to be restored in classic Victorian style”, said Councillor Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development.

“An architectural competition is a tried and tested approach, and we look forward to some of the best design practices presenting ideas that will do justice to the Buttermarket. It is important too that local people will continue to have the opportunity to view and comment on the ideas”.

Len Tawn, chairman of the Buttermarket Traders Association, said: “"We welcome this stage of the proposal to restore our working environment. We would like to thank all of our customers who took part in the consultation and our own survey. We look forward to having some influence regarding the final design."

Phil Roberts, partnerships director of Advantage West Midlands said: “Our support for this project demonstrates that even in a period of financial constraint, we are able to support measures that kick-start improvements to the established retail centre of Hereford, as well as our continuing support for Edgar Street Grid. The Buttermarket provides an opportunity to improve the quality and variety of the retail experience, which will strengthen the appeal of the city centre for local people and visitors alike.”

Herefordshire Council believes the landmark building needs to be safeguarded, promoted and polished as ‘the jewel in the crown’ for the city. This would help underpin its future as well as other markets and independent shops in the city centre. The new market should encourage more shoppers to come and spend more in the historic core of Hereford.

The council has also started work on the refurbishment of Widemarsh Street in the city centre, which is a key gateway to the Buttermarket. The pedestrian-friendly route will encourage visitors to the city to move between the historic core and the new retail and leisure development.

The specification for the architectural design competition will also be placed on the Herefordshire Business Portal, set up by the council to promote opportunities for local businesses. The access the portal visit the council’s website on www.herefordshire.gov.uk and select the Business section.