But now, they are being given away as the theatre's renovations schedule gathers pace.
Regent Theatre general manager Sarah Anderson said all the 1800 seats would be removed on October 20 when the interior of the theatre was stripped to make way for refurbishment.
Earlier this year, the theatre began selling the seats for $50 each in a bid to make way for new ones and help raise funds for the development project.
Only 300 seats have been sold so far, and recently, in a bid to renew interest in the 80-year-old seats, the price was halved to $25 each.
However, theatre general manager Sarah Anderson said sales had not gone as well as expected, and the deadline for removing the seating was looming.
"We have nowhere to store them, so they have to go. We're giving them away."
While it seemed the true market value of the seating had finally been found, Ms Anderson said they still had worth.
"We're giving people an opportunity to have a piece of history.
"They would be a great addition to a man cave, sports clubs, boat sheds, waiting rooms, bus stops - even whitebait stands."
Ms Anderson said those who had already purchased seating would be contacted and asked if they would like a refund, or to make their purchase a donation to the theatre's renovations.
Seats could be ordered as singles or in rows of up to 14 by coming into the Regent Theatre in the Octagon, Ms Anderson said.
