About us

Misson Statement - At The Courtyard, our aim is to introduce the concept of an old-fashioned continental-style ‘artisans quarter’ with a 21st century twist – a creative melting pot in a carefully designed and attractive space where a mix of independent artisans and businesses can live and work in harmony.

Our work hub will consist of a treasure trove of workshops and office space, combined in some units with living accommodation – all designed to encourage creativity to flourish.

We also want the public to come and enjoy the ambience of our exciting new development, see our artisan community at work and enjoy the attractions, such as the Blackfriars Brewery which offers tours and an entertainment, dining and drinking experience.

PEOPLE – JOE AND BRUCE

The Courtyard is the brainchild of two partners – Joe Larter and Bruce Carter. Whilst the idea of loft living combined with studio working hankers back to olden days when many artisans lived above or even at the back of the shop, Joe and Bruce have brought innovation and ambitious thinking to the concept to make it work in the current day environment.

Joe Larter is no newcomer to pushing the boundaries of innovative developments. He was the founder of the highly successful Pleasurewood Hills theme park at Lowestoft, launching the park in 1982 when such schemes were still new to the UK. Today, he has business interests in the UK, New Zealand and the USA.

Bruce Carter first teamed up with Joe during his Pleasurewood Hills days when Bruce was owner of one of the UK’s leading art and theme studios at the time supplying sets and shows to the theme park and attractions business all over the world.. He continues to use his creative abilities in his current day business interests and will be theming the mixed craft areas.

Together they hope to attract an eclectic mix of crafts people and creative businesses to The Courtyard, with a completion date set for June 2010.

HISTORY OF THE BUILDING

Joe Larter and Bruce Carter have owned The Courtyard buildings for 15 years, previously using it for office space and storage. But it was not until late 2007 when Bill Russell asked to move his Blackfriars Brewery into part of the building that they started to think about an alternative development for the space.

The building was originally a packing warehouse where the Scottish girls who followed the herring fleets down the East coast each year would pack the ‘silver darlings’ (herring) in the heyday of Great Yarmouth’s fishing industry at the beginning of the last century.

Joe and Bruce realised the building lent itself to use as a mix of retail, studio, office, display and living space and felt a community of creative artisans would be an attraction for the many visitors to Great Yarmouth who are looking for places of interest to visit.

With their wide experience in the attractions business, they felt they were ideally placed to develop and promote such a community.

Blackfriars Brewery has started the ball rolling with its plans for a themed and licensed area detailing the history of brewing in Great Yarmouth with organised tours of the brewery itself for the local population and tourist trade. There have already been a number of events held at The Courtyard by
the micro-brewery, including their fish and chip nights with a Blackfriars tour and unlimited Blackfriars ale.

Joe and Bruce hope to have the whole of The Courtyard open to visitors from June 2010.