Co-Living Development Proposed for Former Atik Site

Romford could see a new co-living development on the former Atik nightclub site, pending planning approval. The target demographic is primarily single, working people, and some couples, generally in the 20-40 year old age bracket. The development aims to cater to their needs by providing community-oriented, professionally managed rental accommodation with various amenities and services, including room cleaning, shared workspaces, an on-site gym, and a concierge service. The development also aims to create a sense of community and provide safe, secure, and livable rental options.

The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed the proposal to demolish the former Atik nightclub at 108 South Street and construct a co-living development with 294 units during a meeting on Thursday, 23 October 2025, according to the meeting transcript.

The Strategic Planning Committee will evaluate the co-living development proposal based on a number of criteria, including whether the proposal meets the needs of the local demographic, particularly young people, and whether the design incorporates high-quality materials and careful detailing. A full list of the criteria can be found in the footnote. ¹

During the meeting, Councillor Jane Keane raised concerns about the lack of historical context in the plans. She suggested working with the Havering Museum to incorporate the site's history into the new development. There is an opportunity to strengthen the links with our past, she said. The architecture will have an ode to the art deco building that sits on the South Street frontage. An art wall will be created, potentially with local artists, to reflect the history of the site. The interior design will nod to the history of the site, including naming rooms after musicians who played there. The developers also plan to engage with the Havering Museum and local history unit to build the history into the fabric of the building.

Councillor Keane also enquired about the relocation of delivery bikes currently parked on Havana Close, while Councillor David Taylor questioned how much the shared workspaces would be used by residents.

Councillor Ray Best requested details on soundproofing to mitigate railway noise. The developers will address concerns raised by the railway station owner through a buffer agreement with TFL/Network Rail. This agreement will ensure that crane overhangs and other construction activities do not interfere with the operation of the railway line. Additionally, the developers have catered the building and window openings to provide sound attenuation where needed.

Specific measures being considered to address community safety concerns related to the new co-living development include engaging with the enforcement team and police for the safety of future residents, having a 24-hour presence and concierge on site, considering security of windows, doors, and access to roof spaces, and developing a management plan to address antisocial behavior from residents and external sources.

Councillor John Crowder asked about permanent security and disability bays.

Other points of discussion included:

• Room sizes and layouts, including provisions for disabled users. The proposed co-living units will range in size from 18 sqm, 21 sqm, and 28 sqm. Councillor Keane requested more detail on room sizes and layouts, including provisions for disabled users.
• Disabled access to the building, including vehicular access.
• Fire evacuation procedures for disabled residents, particularly those on upper floors.
• Engaging with Havering's new arts and culture strategy to document the history of the nightclub.
• The reasoning for directing the public square towards the Battis rather than Havana Close.
• Building security, including access to roof spaces.
• Soundproofing to mitigate noise from the railway line.
• Providing some disability bays in the area as part of the application.

No planning decisions were made at this stage. The committee members raised questions and concerns for the developers and planning officers to consider as the proposal moves forward.

• Whether the proposal meets the needs of the local demographic, particularly young people.
• Whether the design is high-quality and meets the standards of similar developments.
• Whether the proposed height works well in the surrounding townscape.
• Whether the ground floor layout, activation, and uses contribute positively to the street scene.
• Whether the design incorporates open views through the ground floor.
• Whether the amenity spaces are well-designed and functional.
• Whether the residents' arrival experience is well-considered.
• Whether the ground floor makes a greater contribution to Romford town centre, including uses that remain open into the evening.
• Whether the design incorporates outdoor seating for any food and beverage use.
• Whether the design provides greater activation of the long elevation on Havana Close and Exchange Street.
• Whether the cycle storage is relocated to help activate the frontage.
• Whether the design maximizes natural light in the east-west corridor on the upper levels.
• Whether the design includes a range of different size accommodations, including larger units.
• Whether the design incorporates external green amenity spaces on various levels.
• Whether the architectural expression of the café makes a greater contribution to the Romford town centre.
• Whether the design incorporates high-quality materials and careful detailing.
• Whether the design provides a new public square adjoining The Battis.
• Whether the design provides a generous space that is welcoming and accessible to all.
• Whether the design incorporates additional trees and greenery.
• Whether the design manages deliveries, particularly take-away food deliveries and residents moving in and out of their accommodation.
• Whether the design provides refuse storage for the café/corner unit.
• Whether the design of each elevation is orientation-specific to help address overheating.
• Whether the design incorporates external shading to reduce solar gain.
• Whether the design mitigates any adverse impact of the air source heat pumps on the residents' and neighbouring hotel guests' quality of life.
• Whether the design assesses the noise impact from neighbouring sites, including the substation, the railway line, the Brewery car park building and hotel plant.
• Whether the design provides a ventilation strategy.