Joint venture partners Legendre UK and Urban Sketch have achieved planning consent for a 285-unit co-living development on the site of the former ATIK nightclub in Romford town centre.
The nine-storey scheme at Havana Close will deliver private en-suite studios, alongside shared communal spaces, a coffee shop and a new public space next to Romford station.
The team received full planning consent from Havering Council in September 2026, having submitted their application in October 2025. The site was acquired unconditionally in August 2025.
The proposals were shaped through extensive engagement with the Council and the local community, including three pre-application meetings, a meeting with the Quality Review Panel, a two-day public exhibition and a dedicated website, giving local people the opportunity to view the plans and share feedback.
Combining private living space with generous resident facilities, the development will include 10,280 sq ft of internal amenity space and three roof terraces with views over the London skyline. Amenity spaces will include a gym, wellness studio, communal kitchen and dining areas, coworking, reading room, residents’ lounges, laundry, and multi-media room.
Residents will also benefit from 24/7 site management and security, alongside a calendar of community events designed to bring residents together. A small ground floor café/coffee shop will be made available for an independent operator.
The inclusion of a new square along with improvements to the surrounding public spaces are central to the proposals, including the transformation of The Battis, the passageway next to Romford station, from a narrow, poorly lit cut-through into a safer and more welcoming route for residents, station users and visitors. The redesigned route will include improved paving, seating, cycle facilities and seasonal planting.
Located at the junction of South Street and Havana Close, the site sits within the area covered by Romford’s emerging Town Centre Masterplan and has been designed to support the wider ambitions for the town centre and Brewery Quarter. A new mural designed by a local artist will draw on the existing artwork associated with the former ATIK nightclub, keeping a link to the site’s history and local character. Located next to Romford station, a car-free approach supports a sustainable model of town centre living, with easy access to the Elizabeth Line, Liberty Line Overground and National Rail services.
The scheme reflects the growing role of co-living as part of the UK’s rental housing mix. Combining private studios with high-quality shared amenities and professionally managed communal spaces, the development will provide a flexible and well-connected living option in the heart of Romford town centre.
The development marks the first project between Legendre UK and Urban Sketch, bringing together both partners’ experience in residential-led regeneration and complex urban development.
The ATIK site was sourced by Urban Sketch, working with specialist London agents Henshall and Partners, and purchased unconditionally pre-planning. Following positive engagement with Havering Council officers and members, Urban Sketch and Legendre structured a partnership to bring the site forward.
Works on the redevelopment are expected to start on site in spring 2027, with completion scheduled for spring 2030.
In addition to its role as development partner, Legendre UK will also act as the main contractor for the scheme. The planning design team included Claridge Architects, DP9, Match Landscape, XCO2, Velocity, Engineeria, Jensen Hughes, TTC, Local GI, Point 2, Withernay Projects, RSK and DS2.
Nicolas Swiderski, Head of Property Development at Legendre UK, said: “This consent unlocks the transformation of one of Romford town centre’s most prominent vacant sites into a vibrant new place to live.
“We are proud to be bringing forward a scheme that supports Romford’s long-term regeneration and showcases the potential of underused urban sites to deliver new homes and wider community benefits. We look forward to working with Urban Sketch, Havering Council, our project team and the local community to bring this exciting new chapter for Romford to life.”
Nick Cuff, Managing Director of Urban Sketch Ltd said: “We are proud to be bringing Havering’s first purpose-built co-living scheme to Romford, alongside a new public square next to the Elizabeth line station. Our commitment to progressing the development despite challenging market conditions reflects our confidence in Romford and its town centre, which has already proven it has long-term potential. Our partnership with Legendre draws on deep knowledge of constrained brownfield sites and is set to deliver more than 500 beds across London. We are thrilled to be taking Havana House to the next stage.”