Ambitious plans for a £6.9 redevelopment of Warwick Arts Centre’s Butterworth Hall have been given a helping hand by the Heart of England Co-operative Society.

As part of the redevelopment, a brand new venue has been created for smaller performances and rehearsals, improved access and an education area. Future audiences will also see more comfortable seats, enhanced acoustics and improved toilet facilities in the new-look Hall.

The Arts Centre has raised £6.15 million towards the scheme but following a general appeal for help in finding the last £750,000 the Society, which trades across Coventry, Warwickshire and south Leicestershire, has donated £1,000.

The cash has been put towards the Butterworth Hall ‘Name A Seat’ campaign which invites everyone to name a seat after themselves or a loved one, for a minimum donation of £450.

Ali Kurji, Chief Executive of the Society, said: “Warwick Arts Centre is an important facility, not just for Coventry and Warwickshire but for the West Midlands as it regularly attracts visitors from across the region and even further afield. Its ‘Name A Seat’ campaign is a great way for local people to be involved in helping to raise funds for the Arts Centre in years to come.”

He added: “The multi-million redevelopment is an exciting phase in the history of the Arts Centre and the Heart of England Co-operative Society is pleased to have played a part in helping the scheme come to fruition.”

Warwick Arts Centre Director Alan Rivett added: “Like us, the Heart of England Co-operative Society has a reputation for providing a fantastic service for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire, and we are delighted that they are supporting us in our efforts to improve our facilities for the local community.”

The Butterworth Hall closed its doors in August last year. It is expected to re-open to visitors in October this year.