Joint venture partners Legendre UK and Urban Sketch have secured 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 feature private en-suite studios, alongside shared communal spaces, a coffee shop and a new public space next to Romford station.
The development will include 10,280 sq ft of internal amenity space and three roof terraces providing views of the London skyline. The on-site amenity provision will include a gym, wellness studio, communal kitchen and dining areas, co-working, reading room, residents’ lounges, laundry and multi-media room.
The ATIK site was sourced by Urban Sketch, working with agents Henshall and Partners, and was purchased unconditionally pre-planning. The redevelopment works are expected to start on site in spring next year with completion scheduled for spring 2030.
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, added: “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.”
Legendre UK will 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.
