A FORMER Stockbridge pub is set to be given a new lease of life when it is re-opens as a retail and residential block next month.

The 18th century coaching inn, the Vine Inn, in High Street, closed in 2012 and is now being replaced with a string of businesses, homes and parking in a development by DC Li Builders.

The Grade II-listed building, to be called the Vine Yard, will now include three holiday apartments, a seamstress, hairdressers, estate agents, offices and stores for bridal wear, pianos and wine.

Vine Pianos owner Deborah Barlow is looking forward to the Vine Yard’s grand opening on Friday 1, December for it to “once again serve its town, just differently”.

She said: “I suffered a serious horse riding accident last year so I decided to use the opportunity to return to my formerly loved occupation as a piano tuner which I’ll be doing in Stockbridge’s Vine Yard.

“It’s quite ironic that I’m now leasing a converted stable. One day I was talking about my love of riding and the beautifully converted stables and DC Li said to me- ‘you wouldn’t be opening Vine Pianos without having that riding accident.’He is right and I’m so chuffed.”

Deborah’s store will host of range of “everything related to pianos” including tuning, restoring, repairs, hiring for events, musical gifts and even lessons with a teacher.

The developers originally placed an application to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) in September 2014, before being granted permission one year later.

The approval came with conditions for measures to safeguard the environmentally sensitive habitats and species such as the water vole which live adjacent to the site.

TVBC economic development and tourism portfolio holder councillor David Drew said: “This is a creative and innovative project using a former public house building.

“It provides space for retail units that locals have asked for and adds additional economic vibrancy to Stockbridge High Street. I wish the new occupants all the very best with the new venture.”