The Battis Youth Hub Opens Its Doors with Strong Community and Leadership Support.

On Friday 10 April, Youth Unity proudly marked the soft launch of The Battis Youth Hub welcoming key stakeholders, partners, and local leaders to see first-hand the transformation of a once-neglected space into a vibrant, safe environment for young people.

Attendees included Chief Superintendent Dan Card, Chief Inspector Charlie Routley, Councillor Jane Keane, alongside senior council representatives and community partners, all of whom were invited to explore the space and understand the vision behind the project.

The Battis Youth Hub is the result of over 18 months of dedicated work, partnership-building, and community collaboration. What was previously an overgrown, unused area adjacent to the former ATIK nightclub has now been reimagined into a fully equipped youth provision space designed to support young people during critical after-school hours.

A Space Built on Vision and Partnership

Developed by Youth Unity, the hub stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations, local authorities, and community stakeholders align around a shared goal.

With support from Havering Council, Transport for London (Elizabeth Line/GTSR), and the Metropolitan Police, the space now offers:

• A fully equipped outdoor area including basketball, table tennis, and boxing facilities
• A multi-use indoor hub featuring gaming, podcasting, music production, and creative spaces
• Access to trusted youth workers and mentors providing guidance, support, and positive engagement

The project has also benefited from significant in-kind contributions, including construction support, reclaimed materials, and ongoing community involvement through initiatives such as the Community Payback team.

Addressing a Critical Need

The Battis directly responds to a consistent message from young people across Havering: the need for a safe, welcoming space where they can spend time, feel supported, and access positive opportunities.

By focusing on the “lost hours” after school, the hub aims to:

• Reduce vulnerability to exploitation and anti-social behaviour
• Provide structured and informal activities
• Offer food provision and a safe environment
• Build trusted relationships between young people and adults

Strong Endorsement from Local Leadership

The presence of senior policing figures and council representatives at the soft launch reflects a shared commitment to early intervention and community-led solutions.

Their engagement highlights the importance of investing in spaces like The Battis, which combine prevention, protection, and provision to create long-term impact for young people.

Founder’s Statement

Shirley Jackson, Managing Director of Youth Unity, told the Havering Daily:

“From conversations over the past three years through our outreach work across the borough, young people have consistently told us they simply want a safe space to ‘hang out’—somewhere they feel welcome, supported, and not judged.

The Battis is our response to that. It’s been built with young people in mind, shaped by what they’ve told us they need, and brought to life through strong partnerships.

We are incredibly grateful to Will Grant from Urban Sketch, the property developers of the former ATIK nightclub, for trusting our vision and giving us the opportunity to bring this space to life.

We hope this is just the beginning of something really positive for young people in Havering, a space where they can feel safe, build relationships, and see opportunities for their future.”

Looking Ahead

While the soft launch marks a significant milestone, this is just the beginning.

Youth Unity will continue to develop The Battis as a flagship youth hub for Romford, expanding its offer and strengthening its role as a central point of support, creativity, and opportunity for young people.

About Youth Unity

Youth Unity is a community-led organisation delivering mentoring, outreach, and enrichment programmes across London, Essex, and Kent, supporting thousands of young people each year through early intervention and youth engagement initiatives.

Sessions will start on the 24^th April from 3pm to 7pm each Friday and Wednesday from 3pm to 6.30pm

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