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Locals have called Atik ‘brilliant’ and ‘awesome’ (Picture: Google) The site where a London nightclub once thrived is set to embark on a new chapter, as developers unveil ambitious plans for a modern co-living residential development. The scheme proposes 294 flats across blocks ranging from six to nine storeys on the site of the former Atik nightclub in Romford, aiming to meet the growing demand for flexible and affordable urban living in the area. For many locals, the mention of Atik, which opened in 2018 but was previously known as Time & Envy, Liquid, and Fiction, brings back fond memories. As one commenter on a previous Romford Recorder Facebook post reflected: ‘I remember walking in there for the first time as a club, looking over the balcony and thinking how awesome it was!’ Another reminisced: ‘Time n envy and then Liquid those were the good ole days’, and one said, ‘Time and envy was bloody brilliant back in the day’. One local added: ‘Remember finishing my night shift at Tescos 2am then going to the burger stall next to the station eating my burger whilst watching the punch ups outside’. The nightclub used to be called Liquid in the 00s (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo) It was also previously called Fiction (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo) Others had fond memories from when the site was a cinema, before it turned into a nightclub. The newly proposed plans by developers Urban Sketch and Legendre UK aim to balance this nostalgia with modern urban demands. The concept centres on co-living: individual bedrooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes for independence, complemented by communal areas such as workspaces, a gym, and rooftop terraces to foster social interaction. This innovative design reflects an evolution from traditional shared houses toward a more integrated lifestyle tailored for single-person households. Recognising community feedback, developers are incorporating an accessible urban coffee shop and co-working space on the site’s frontage, intending these facilities to serve both residents and the wider public. Discussions have even surfaced about temporarily repurposing the former nightclub as a theatre during the interim period before construction begins, honouring the site’s cultural heritage and providing a short-term creative venue. The proposal is still in the pre-application phase, with public consultation conducted in September to gather local views, and The Havering Council’s Strategic Planning Committee will review the plans on 23 October. Beyond the Atik site, Romford is witnessing a surge of transformative projects aimed at revitalising the town centre. Notably, the Bridge Close development promises up to 1,070 homes, a new primary school, business spaces, and improved green infrastructure featuring the naturalisation of the River Rom. Similarly, there are plans for the former Homebase site on Davidson Way to be turned into around 600 homes with accompanying community facilities. These developments collectively reflect Havering Council’s broader strategy to enhance housing supply, enrich amenities, and rejuvenate Romford’s public realm. But for many former club-goers and Romford residents, the site will always be synonymous with vibrant nightlife and cherished memories. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
