The establishment currently operating as a café bar at Cornerstone Arts Centre is set for a significant transformation into a focal point for arts and community activity in Didcot.

South Oxfordshire District Council has confirmed that the venue will undergo a summer programme of improvements, which will bring updated food and beverage options, expanded hours, and a diverse calendar of evening programming.

Commencing September 14, the facility will extend its operating schedule to remain accessible until 8.30pm across Monday through Saturday, with a wider selection of activities available throughout those hours.

Georgina Heritage, who serves as cabinet member responsible for community affairs at the district council, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.

Heritage outlined that considerable effort has been invested in developing a concept for Cornerstone that positions it as what she described as the cultural living room for Didcot, emphasising the importance of creating an inviting environment where patrons can socialise, engage with literature, conduct professional tasks over refreshments, or remain for beverages following theatrical or musical presentations.

The planned developments are anticipated to strengthen Didcot’s existing music community, offering the venue increased capacity to promote emerging performers and generate additional platforms for artistic collaboration.

Regular monthly open mic evenings will be introduced alongside the venue’s established Music Box Open Decks and Record Shop offerings.

Further evening programming is being developed, with proposals including reading circles, creative writing sessions, tabletop gaming meetups, and public lecture series.

The project will also incorporate dedicated areas designated as Makers Spaces, allowing visitors to browse and acquire pieces crafted by regional artists and independent designers as they traverse the building.