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The BATTIS

The Battis | A Youth Hub in Romford — Youth Unity CIC
YOUTH UNITY
Romford · Youth Unity CIC

THE BATTIS

A safe, vibrant youth hub built in a forgotten space beside the old ATIK — created with and for the young people of Romford.

Get involved See the story
Prevent · Prepare · Protect
150+
Young people in 8 weeks
Free
To attend
Weekly
Friday sessions, funded for a year
Why it exists

Nowhere safe to go

After school, too many young people in Romford had nowhere safe to be — moved on from public spaces and drawn into the "lost hours" that fuel anti-social behaviour, isolation and risk. Through years of outreach, one message was consistent: they wanted somewhere to relax, be themselves, and spend time around trusted adults. The Battis is our answer.

"Nowhere safe to spend time after school"
"We feel unsafe in public spaces"
"Somewhere we can relax without being moved on"
"Spaces where trusted adults are present"
The transformation

From forgotten space to flagship hub

About 18 months ago we spotted an underused side-space beside the former ATIK nightclub — overgrown, rubbish-strewn and completely unusable. Where others saw neglect, we saw opportunity.

The overgrown space before work began
Before · overgrown & unusable
The space transformed with paint and lighting
After · transformed & alive
1

Secured the space

With support from local leadership and partners, a proposal was approved and access to the space secured — the turning point from idea to delivery.

2

Cleared by the community

Community Payback teams and volunteers cleaned and cleared the site week after week, transforming it from unusable to accessible.

3

Built through partnership

Pro-bono construction and development from our property partners — Legendre UK and GTS — turned the space into something usable, built sustainably with reclaimed materials to keep costs low and impact high.

4

Brought to life

Local artist @cizeone painted bold, vibrant murals that gave The Battis its identity, colour and pride.

5

Opened to young people

What was once a neglected alley is now a thriving hub — busy, welcoming and led by the needs of Romford's young people.

The space being cleared and built by the community
Built by the community
Local artist who painted the murals
Murals by @cizeone
Vibrant mural in the hub
Identity & pride
What's inside

Positive things to do

Funded by the Metropolitan Police, the hub is packed with activities that give young people structure, support and a reason to be there during peak-risk hours.

Sport

Basketball, table tennis, boxing & fitness equipment.

Gaming

Consoles and big-screen TVs in a relaxed chill zone.

Studio

Podcasting, music production and a DJ space.

Hot food

Meals cooked on site, so no one goes without.

Funded by the Metropolitan Police
The indoor hub

More than a space

Donated by Transport for London (Elizabeth line) and Havering Council, our indoor hub is a vibrant multi-use studio — a gaming area, a podcast & media studio, and a music production & DJ space — now used for youth-led projects and community development all year round.

The indoor media and music studio
The difference we're making

Real impact, fast

In just eight weeks, The Battis has become a place young people actively choose — and we're especially proud of the strong and growing number of young women taking part, a group too often underserved by youth provision.

150+

Young people through the doors in the first 8 weeks

More girls

A growing turnout of young women choosing the space

Less ASB

Reduced idle time in high-risk after-school hours

Mural detail
Spray paint used for the murals
Mural detail
Recognised as best practice
The Battis was shared with Neighbourhood Superintendents from across London's boroughs as best practice for tackling anti-social behaviour and fear of violence around town centres. We are very proud to be working closely with you.
Superintendent Sharon BrindNeighbourhood Policing, East Area BCU (Havering) · Metropolitan Police
Built by partnership

It took a community

The Battis exists because partners, funders and volunteers backed a vision for Romford's young people. Our property & development partners — Legendre UK and GTS — helped secure, build and transform the space, with Havering Council and Transport for London (Elizabeth line) behind the indoor hub.

Havering Council Transport for London (Elizabeth line) Metropolitan Police Legendre UK GTS Urban Sketch Community Payback MS Webb (CCTV) @cizeone (murals)
Join us

Fridays at The Battis

Thanks to the Metropolitan Police, The Battis runs a free safe space for young people every Friday, 3:30–6:30pm — funded for the next year, and always with trusted adults on hand. Registration is quick, free and required for all sessions.

Gaming · Xbox & PS5 Music · make & mix Sports · hoops, table tennis, boxing Chess Podcasting Hot food · free every week
1st FridayDJ Workshops — learn to mix, produce and play your own set on real decks.
2nd FridayChess Night — learn the game and take on a challenge. Beginners welcome.
3rd FridayPodcasting — step into the studio, record an episode and find your voice.
4th FridayGirls' Safe Space — a space just for girls to talk openly with people who listen.
Save your spot Get in touch
Find us
The Battis — the alleyway between Waterloo Road and South Street, Romford RM1 1TU
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