Ōtautahi's Court Theatre wins 2026 John Scott Award for Public Architecture

The Court Theatre has received the 2026 John Scott Award for Public Architecture for its new central city home in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Designed by Haworth Tompkins and Athfield Architects in association, the building forms part of the city's Performing Arts Precinct and brings together performance, production, education and hospitality facilities.

The purpose-built venue includes two performance spaces, the 371-seat Stewart Family Theatre and the 151-seat Wakefield Family Front Room, alongside rehearsal rooms, workshops, costume and props facilities, teaching spaces and offices.

The award recognises the building's design and its role in supporting The Court Theatre's work across theatre, education and community engagement in Waitaha Canterbury.

Chief Executive Richard Aindow said the recognition reflected the work of the architects, construction partners, supporters and wider community who helped bring the project to life.