Unique £2.8M theatre and cultural venue in Ellesmere Port to open

The Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) site at Whitby Park will be the only specialist, purpose-built theatre and cultural centre for children and young people in Cheshire and one of only a handful across England. There will be free events from August 10 to 20 to celebrate the opening, including outdoor shows.

The contemporary performance space and cultural centre now houses: a state-of-the-art 150-seat flexible auditorium for performances and film screenings; rehearsal rooms; workshop rooms; a temporary gallery, spaces for artists and a new café with an outdoor terrace.

It has the highest quality technical facilities in sound, lighting and includes specialist equipment to broadcast National Theatre Live screenings. There is also a 300-seat amphitheatre in Whitby Park open all year round, where Theatre Porto will host its free Summer Programme of outdoor events.

Funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Arts Council England, the opening of the centre will mark a new era for Theatre Porto, which recently changed its name to reflect place and playfulness after consultation with local young people.

The centre features a purpose-built theatre space for young people to use. (Image: Theatre Porto)

Stacey, who grew up in Ellesmere Port, and who worked with the theatre as a young person, sums up what this new theatre means: "t's about it being local, It's about community. It's so nice for the people of Ellesmere port to be able to own something and say, ‘this is really good and its ours."

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "I am so excited that the wait is over, and the transformed Whitby Hall is ready to welcome audiences and performers again. I’ve been following the work and I know how important this will be for the young people of Ellesmere Port and across the borough.

"This is far more than an investment in a building, it’s an investment in our young people, the arts and culture. This new cultural building will make its mark on young lives for many years to come. It is also the start of many more plans for Ellesmere Port over the next few years."

The new facility was designed by the Manchester studio of London-based award-winning architects Bennetts Associates who designed a flagship venue for arts and culture in Chester, in the form of Storyhouse.

Adrian Lonsdale, Associate Director, Bennetts Associates says: "We have been delighted to be involved with transforming Whitby Hall into a new and exciting cultural hub in the heart of Whitby Park.

"The historic house has been restored with contemporary theatre facilities added. This will secure the use of the building for generations to come and provide amenities for the whole community."

The main contractor EQUANS specialise in low-carbon construction, refurbishment and energy systems, ensuring that the build has minimal impact on the environment.

Nina Hajiyianni, Artistic Director of Theatre Porto says: "Theatre Porto co-create and present the highest quality theatre experiences for families, young audiences, and participants. We provide a welcoming and accessible space for all children and young people, to tap into their creativity and potential. Our mission is to champion their ideas and creativity and at the same time, create opportunities for adults to rediscover their sense of curiosity and playfulness."

The centre will open from August 10 with events running through to August 20. Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 will feature outdoor shows, walk-about performances and special events alongside the centre's Once Upon a Time... art installation and adventure trail. All of the events are available to access for free.

Further information and tickets can be purchased from Ticketsource.

Information about Theatre Porto can be found via their website or by joining their mailing list which currently features fundraising schemes, including their campaign to raise £50,000 for their inclusive engagement programme.