Theatre Porto News
Three major awards. One big November for Theatre Porto
Theatre Porto is celebrating a remarkable hat-trick of recognition this autumn, with three prestigious award nominations across design, planning, and family arts – all revealed this November.
These nominations shine a light on the bold vision behind the new theatre building in Whitby Park opened in 2022, the creative impact of its community-led programmes, and the charity’s commitment to children, young people, and families in Ellesmere Port and beyond.
- Cheshire West Design Awards 2025 (27th November)
- Fantastic for Families Awards 2025 (20th November)
- RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2025 (27th November)
Cheshire West Design Awards 2025
Theatre Porto’s new home has been nominated in this year’s Cheshire West Design Awards. Held every five years, the awards champion excellence in the built environment and celebrate both traditional craft and high-quality contemporary construction.
The judging panel reviews nominations from across the region and selects buildings that demonstrate ambition, authenticity, and a lasting positive impact on place.
Theatre Porto (alongside Cheshire West & Chester Council; Equans; Bennetts Architects; Lambert Smith Hampton) is honoured to be recognised as part of this celebration of outstanding design.
Fantastic for Families Awards 2025
Theatre Porto’s Sanctuary Programme has been shortlisted for the Audience Impact and Innovation Award at the Fantastic for Families Awards 2025.
Organised by the Family Arts Campaign, the awards highlight organisations that make a real difference to families and older people through creativity, connection, and care.
The Sanctuary Programme in Ellesmere Port (made possible via support from: The Cheshire West and Chester Sanctuary Funding Programme) supports families seeking sanctuary through performances, supported visits, workshops, food gatherings, and imaginative experiences that build belonging and community.
It is a joyful, compassionate programme at a time when many families need it most.
RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2025
Following its recent regional success, Theatre Porto’s redevelopment in Whitby Park is now a national finalist in the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, one of the most respected awards in the planning sector.
The project (including partners Cheshire West & Chester Council; Equans; Bennetts Architects; Lambert Smith Hampton) has been shortlisted in the category Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture, which honours outstanding schemes that enhance places of cultural significance for future generations.
Earlier this year, the project won both Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture and Best Project and Best in Region at the RTPI North West Awards, marking it as a landmark cultural regeneration success story.
A huge moment for Ellesmere Port
These three nominations paint a clear picture. Theatre Porto is not only a place for children and families. It is a bold and imaginative civic space shaped by collaboration, high quality design, and deep community purpose.
Being recognised across design, planning, and family arts speaks to the theatre’s growing role as a cultural anchor for Ellesmere Port.
Winners for all three awards will be announced in November.
