Theatre Porto News
Theatre Porto wins at the Cheshire West Design Awards 2025
Shortlisted in three key awards…
This November has been an extraordinary month for Theatre Porto. After being shortlisted in three major awards recognising excellence in design, planning and family arts, the organisation took a win at the Cheshire West Design Awards 2025.
It’s a moment that celebrates not only the incredible transformation of the Whitby Park building but also the ambition and purpose behind it.
Two inspiring wins this year
Following winning the award for Best Project and Best in Region (North West) by the RTPI earlier this year, Theatre Porto was recognised across three significant awards this Novenber:
- Cheshire West Design Awards 2025
- Fantastic for Families Awards 2025
- RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence 2025
Being shortlisted in all three demonstrates the strong impact Theatre Porto is making locally and regionally, whilst operating at a national level of excellence, through it’s bold architectural design, impactful community programmes and imaginative planning for cultural heritage.
And now, with the Cheshire West Design Award win for Community New Build and Refurbishment Project, that excellence has been proudly acknowledged.
A building created with ambition and care
The Cheshire West Design Awards, which takes place every 5 years, celebrates places that shape the region in meaningful, enduring ways. The redevelopment of Theatre Porto’s home in Whitby Park does exactly that. Designed in partnership with Cheshire West & Chester Council, Equans, Bennetts Architects and Lambert Smith Hampton, the project has transformed the theatre into a child-centred, civic space that is both welcoming and visionary.
As CEO and Artistic Director, Nina Hajiyianni explains, the achievement is rooted in years of shared imagination and graft:
“Winning at the Cheshire West Design Awards is an incredible moment for Theatre Porto. The journey to transform our home took years of imagining, planning and true collaboration. Working so closely with partners across the region helped us create a building that is bold, welcoming and firmly rooted in place, serving children, families and the wider community. This award celebrates a space that now inspires everyone who walks through the door.”
Nina’s words speak to the spirit of collaboration that has shaped every stage of the project. Yet the impact of the new building is felt not just in its design but in how it changes lives day to day.
This sense of pride and partnership is shared across the region. Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, highlights the project’s environmental and civic significance:
“Many congratulations to Theatre Porto for another well-deserved award for the fantastic transformation of their Whitby Park building that champions sustainability and innovation.”
A moment of real momentum
With additional shortlistings at the Fantastic for Families Awards 2025 and the RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence, Theatre Porto is gaining national recognition not only for its building but for its values, its impact and its commitment to child and young people centred creativity.
The Cheshire West Design Award follows our previous success as the North West Winner and Best in Region for ‘Best Project 2025’ awarded to Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port, as submitted by Cheshire West & Chester Council, Theatre Porto, Equans, Bennetts Architects, and Lambert Smith Hampton.
Looking ahead to 2026, Theatre Porto are ready to carry this momentum forward with renewed ambition and purpose, continuing the aspirational work that drives everything we do.
