As a company that prides itself on practical, cost-effective construction solutions, one of our most rewarding recent projects has been the design and build of converted shipping container business units operating under the brand The Courtyard at with established premises at Saxon Business Park, Littleport, and a new phase now underway at Edward Benefer Way, King’s Lynn.
The Brief
The client identified a gap in the local market for affordable, flexible small business premises. With commercial rental costs rising sharply, there was clear demand from start-ups and micro-businesses for quality workspace that wouldn’t stretch their budgets. The challenge was to deliver units that were practical, well-finished, and genuinely fit for a wide range of business uses, from hairdressers and bakers to accountants and florists, at a price point accessible to early-stage businesses.
The Solution: Converted Shipping Containers
Shipping containers offered the ideal structural solution. Robust, weatherproof, and straightforward to install, they also lend themselves well to a courtyard-style layout that creates a sense of community among tenants. Each unit is based on a standard 20′ x 8′ (6m x 2.4m) container, providing approximately 150 sq ft of usable space.
Our team carried out full conversion works on each unit, including:
- Full insulation to walls, ceiling and floor to ensure year-round comfort
- Double-glazed glass doors (or door and window configuration) to the front elevation
- LED lighting throughout
- Electric heating
- Plywood flooring
- Cold water supply connection
- Business-grade WiFi infrastructure
- Groundworks including toilet blocks and ample car parking — were constructed and fitted out to serve each courtyard development.
Littleport: Saxon Business Park
The Littleport site at Saxon Business Park on the A10 corridor between Ely and Littleport was the first of the courtyard developments. The units were arranged around a well-maintained courtyard, and the site has proven so popular that it now operates with a waiting list for available space. The success of this site provided the template for the King’s Lynn expansion.
King’s Lynn: Edward Benefer Way
Building on the Littleport model, an initial 6 units were installed at Edward Bennefer Way in King’s Lynn. The project replicates the proven specification from Littleport while being tailored to the specific layout and requirements of the new site. Demand has been strong ahead of opening, with prospective tenants already joining the waiting list for a third phase of container units currently being delivered.
The Result
The Courtyard developments demonstrate what can be achieved when good construction thinking meets a genuine market need. Units are available from just £315 per month + VAT, with a minimum six-month rental period, making them one of the most affordable commercial workspace options in the region.
Because our own facilities maintenance team is based on-site at Saxon Business Park, tenants also benefit from having experienced tradespeople on hand to carry out any additional bespoke works quickly and competitively.
This project is a strong example of Layn Developments’ ability to deliver design-and-build solutions that go beyond traditional refurbishment — creating income-generating assets from the ground up, on time and on budget.
Interested in a similar project? Contact us on 01353 655 314 or email info@layndevelopments.co.uk