TIMES are a-changing in Minchinhampton town centre with a pub set to reopen, new owners needed for a restaurant and a former shop front could open its doors to the public once again.

While the Crown Inn pub has been closed for the past five years, owners Ei Publican Partnerships say that the delayed refurbishment could be back on track.

A spokesperson for Ei Publican Partnerships said: "We have been marketing The Crown Inn, Minchinhampton, and we're currently talking to a number of interested parties.

“We encountered some delays as the refurbishment project was more extensive than we originally expected, and we'll look forward to finishing these works in conjunction with the successful applicant.

“We hope to be able to announce our new publican partners very soon, and re-open the pub to the local community."

Meanwhile Sophie’s Restaurant, across from the Crown, is now on the market for over half a million with estate agents Murrays encouraging the new owners to reopen the spot for food retail.

Alongside this is the sale of F.A. Wall & Sons, the large former electrical shop has been left dormant just off the High Street for a number of years but has now been sold for the pretty price of half a million.

Jamie Hamilton, an estate agent in Murrays’ Minchinhampton office says that while they are not in control of the Crown Inn sale he is sure residents are keen to see it trading again.

“The Priory [which houses Sophie’s restaurant] offers a fantastic opportunity for a 'lifestyle purchaser' inspired by one of the many cooking programmes to run a restaurant/wine bar.

"It includes generous accommodation over for their family which would be a very popular addition for the many tourists who visit the town,” he said.

However, while it is listed for re-development he suspects that it is unlikely for F.A. Wall & Sons to reopen as a shop because it has been left dormant for so long, this is up to the buyer to decide.