Haworth Tompkins design theatre in New Zealand 07.12.20

Haworth Tompkins has completed the concept design for a new theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand. The project, for The Court Theatre and Christchurch City Council includes a 360-seat main playhouse auditorium, a 130-seat studio space and front-of-house facilities. All aspects of a working theatre, including set-building, costume-making and rehearsals, will be based on site, with plans to make these activities visible to the public. The design thus far has been in collaboration with New Zealand based Athfield Architects who will also be leading on the next stage. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 and the theatre is due to open in late 2023.

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Haworth Tompkins has three projects shortlisted at this year’s Pineapple Awards: The Developer and Festival of Place, which celebrate excellence in placemaking. The shortlists demonstrate the strength of our approach to placemaking and collaborative design.

Unanimous planning permission has been granted for Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula, a new 3,000-capacity performance venue designed by Haworth Tompkins.

Haworth Tompkins Associate Director Ken Okonkwo has been reappointed as a Mayor’s Design Advocate (MDA) for the 2025–2028 term, marking his second appointment to the role.

2025 was a demanding year for the built environment, but also one of real momentum for Haworth Tompkins. Against a challenging economic and political backdrop, the practice continued to adapt, collaborate and deliver work of lasting value.

The £2 billion York Central regeneration project has submitted the latest planning application for the next stage of delivery and includes Haworth Tompkins designs for Foundry Village; a walkable, street-based neighbourhood designed that will deliver 368 mixed-tenure homes.

Theatr Clwyd has been shortlisted for Theatre Building of the Year at this year’s Stage Awards.

Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge and The Warburg Renaissance have been selected as Regional Finalists in the 2026 Civic Trust Awards and will now be considered for National Awards with the winners announced January 2026.

Haworth Tompkins has completed Backstage at the Old Vic, a new build six storey extension to the Grade II* listed Old Vic Theatre, in London’s Waterloo marking a bold new chapter in the theatre’s remarkable 200-year story.