AFTER 20 years of providing the best seats in the house, the distinctive first floor foyer sofas and benches at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre are being offered free to good homes, thanks to a generous donation from a wealthy patron of the arts.

Thanks to what is described as “a significant personal donation” from businessman Spyros Niarchos, the arts centre is investing in new seating and the existing single colour four-person sofas and benches, and a corner unit, are being offered to community groups and charities – for free.

“The project has been prompted by feedback from customers calling for more seating to be available before shows in our concert hall and theatre,” says Martyn Balson, the Lighthouse head of operations.

“Our donor wanted to help Lighthouse with something that would benefit the entire community, including audiences and other building users. The existing furniture has done very well over the last 20 years, but it needs updating as we make Lighthouse more accessible and more comfortable for everyone using the space.

“We’d like to thank our colleagues at So Furniture for their help and support with this project.”

The sofas and benches will be replaced with new chairs and tables that will create a significant number of additional seats. The new furniture will arrive in mid-July and it’s hoped the existing bucket chairs and tables can be upcycled to create more seating on the second floor ready for the start of the autumn season in September.

The 11 sofas, five benches and a corner unit will be available on a collection-only basis for groups to pick up from August. To find out more and to apply please email hr@nulllighthousepoole.co.uk.

Pictured on one of the old sofas are members of the Crafty Ladies group that meets at the arts centre every Thursday.