It is one of Great Yarmouth's oldest buildings and its current owners intend to keep it shaping the town's future.

For more than 900 years, the priory on Priory Plain has been a key venue in the town.

Beginning as living quarters for the former monastery at the neighbouring St Nicholas Church, it is most recently remembered as a school and community centre.

Three years ago, the premises were taken over by retired architect Rob Haslam with plans to create a business hub to help develop local entrepreneurs. In that time, the premises have become a go-to wedding venue and office space.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Grade I-listed Priory in Great Yarmouth.The Grade I-listed Priory in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Newsquest)On Thursday, dozens of people attended the third anniversary of the Priory 1101 venue.

Mr Haslam said: "Reflecting on where we started and where we are now, it's a bit of a shock.

"It is remarkable how quickly it has come around.

"In the past, the building was used very much by local people and charities and we wanted to keep the ball rolling an expand upon that."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Guests at the three-year anniversary of the Priory 1101.Guests at the three-year anniversary of the Priory 1101. (Image: Submitted)Mr Haslam said he always intended to develop the Medieval building into a hub which brought people together, creating "something people wanted to be a part of".

And, with ten businesses currently based at the site and with a further eight using the space as and when, Mr Haslam feels his dream has become a reality.

"We are sharing energy, expertise and skills," he said. "It is important to be able to get local businesses together to create something special.

"We have a beautiful building steeped in history, and we want to use it to help build the area."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth's super knitter Margaret Seaman (left) was a guest of honour at the Priory's anniversary.Great Yarmouth's super knitter Margaret Seaman (left) was a guest of honour at the Priory's anniversary. (Image: Submitted)He added that by working in a central hub, independent businesses have been able to diversify their skills and increase their offerings to customers. With the stunning main hall becoming a popular location for weddings, businesses have been able to assist with creating the perfect day for newlyweds.

The Priory also played a key part in a massive local effort to support victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine just days after military forces invaded the country in February 2022.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mayor Paula Waters-Bunn (pictured with Rob Haslam) cut the cake at the Priory's anniversary.Mayor Paula Waters-Bunn (pictured with Rob Haslam) cut the cake at the Priory's anniversary. (Image: Submitted)THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT OF THE BOROUGH'S NEW MAYOR

Great Yarmouth's new mayor, Paula Waters-Bunn, made her first official engagement at Priory 1101's anniversary party, where she gave a speech congratulating the hub for its success over the past three years.

Ms Waters-Bunn said: "It is lovely to be in such a beautiful building that is steeped in history.

"To hear about all that's been going on here over the past few years in incredible.

"It is a privilege to be here on my first official outing as mayor."

The new mayor said she expects the next twelve months to be "enjoyably busy" and is looking forward to finding out about other initiatives across the borough which continue to shape communities.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth's new mayor, Paula Waters-Bunn.Great Yarmouth's new mayor, Paula Waters-Bunn. (Image: James Weeds)