Buyers plan to expand 125-year-old boat firm

Broom Boats has operated on the River Yare since 1898

A 125-year-old boat company is set to be expanded after being bought by a firm with a neighbouring marina on the Broads.

Broom Boats was established on the River Yare in Brundall in 1898 and became famous for boat-building and vessels for hire.

Christie & Co, which listed the 8.6 acre (3.48 hectare) site in February, said it had been snapped up for an undisclosed sum by Horning Pleasurecraft, which has a site "virtually next door".

"We weren’t actively looking for another marina, but it was on our doorstep and the size of site, together with the extensive hire fleet and facilities makes it a fantastic fit for us," said Clive Richardson, who owns Horning Pleasurecraft.

Broom Boats site has 78 private marina berths and a hire fleet comprising 24 luxury cruisers, six electrically operated day boats and two fishing boats.

The sale included the White Heron pub next to the site, which Broom Boats bought and reopened in 2022.

Horning Pleasurecraft has a boat-building and vessel hire site in the eponymous village on the River Bure, and added Cove marina in Brundall in 2021.

Speaking of Broom Boats, Mr Richardson added: "We have plans to improve and fill the moorings, expand the private work and service division as well as maintaining the quality hire fleet.

"Building Broom Boats at Brundall again is a real possibility.”