DP9 Ltd, on behalf of applicant ATIK108SS, has submitted a planning application to temporarily use the former Atik nightclub in South Street as a “mixed use flexible rehearsal and or storage space”.
The application follows earlier plans – approved in October 2025 – to use the club as a theatre for a period of three years.
However, planning documents reveal that these follow-up proposals will allow a Romford-based arts charity, which the applicant is working with, more “flexibility in their operations” when compared with the original plans.
The charity is not named in the documents, but hopes to use the space “as an extension of their existing operations for rehearsals and storage”, according to the planning statement.
The statement says: “This space could be used to store a range of bulky items associated with their operation.
“Some of the work the local arts group do is restricted by space constraints in their existing venue, this temporary space would therefore enable them to expand their operations and opportunity to improve the offer of the charity to the local community.”
Other details of the temporary use – including the hours of operation and the number of permanent personnel on-site – remain the same as the previous application.
It is also hoped the temporary use will reduce the security risk of having a vacant premises after “numerous break-ins resulting in vandalism and theft”, according to the planning statement.
Atik closed in 2024 after parent company Rekom UK collapsed into administration and was unable to reach an agreement with its landlord.
More than a year later, in November 2025, plans were submitted to demolish the building to make way for 285 shared living units.
However, a decision is not expected to be made on these proposals until at least February 5, and, if approved, the redevelopment will take several years.
Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the second temporary change of use plans by February 12.
