Latest news with #TheShard
North Wales Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Famous sites you had no idea were designed and built by women
The LEGO Group has launched a new campaign, She Built That to inspire society and girls to see themselves as inspiring builders, creators and innovators. A new rendition of Run DMC It's Like That hit brings together stars from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, showing how girls are shaping the world around them. The LEGO Group adorned famous London landmarks with Brick Plaques celebrating the women that created them. The She Built That campaign comes as stats show parents are five times more likely to associate the term 'building' with 'masculinity' (59%) over 'femininity' (10%). Paying homage to the unsung builders of the world, the plaques appear at multiple iconic sites: Beyond the iconic female-built structures that were commemorated, other notable buildings in the UK include The Shard, of which Roma Agrawal was the Structural Engineer, The Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which Sheila O'Donnell was an instrumental architect, and The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) in Machynlleth, Wales, of which Linda Stevens was the Project Architect. Roma Agrawal, Structural Engineer of Crystal Palace Station and diversity campaigner for women in engineering, said: 'We might not realise it, but young girls are building all the time, even when we think they're not! Whether it's through the development of physical motor skills or creating new games in their head – all these moments aid in growing their building capabilities. As a society, it's crucial that we work together to ensure that girls continue developing this skillset into their adult lives. 'LEGO play was an integral part of my childhood and provided a great foundation for the learning that led to my career. That's why I'm delighted that the LEGO Group is shining the light on the girls that kept building into their womanhood.' Kuran Sharma, Head of Marketing for the UK & Ireland at the LEGO Group, said: 'Our mission to change stereotypes around building starts with showing everyone how women are already shaping the world around them in incredible ways. We hope girls and women will see our Brick Plaques and listen to our new anthem, and be empowered to 'build' in whatever way feels good to them.' Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons and Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels said: 'Run DMC has always stood for breaking barriers and inspiring change. We're excited to see our classic anthem reimagined as 'She Built That', celebrating the creativity and innovation of girls everywhere. Just as we pushed the limits of hip-hop, we want to inspire a world where every girl recognizes her building power.' The LEGO Group is hosting an immersive pop-up at London's Southbank Centre this aummer. Young girls will be able to take part in a She Built That two-day event, filled with dancing, music, and building. Special brick plaques and prizes will also be awarded to young builders at the event to recognise the next generation of female builders.
India.com
18-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Once a barren desert marred by food scarcity, now wealthiest country in the world, and top exporter of..., the country is...
US President Donald Trump announced several agreements with Qatar valued at over USD 243.5 billion, alongside a broader economic exchange worth at least USD 1.2 trillion. Signed during a visit to Qatar, the deals include sectors from aviation and energy to defence and quantum technology. Beyond the monumental agreement, the wealthy Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reportedly also gifted Trump a luxurious private jet worth around Rs 3,400 crore. This gesture offers a vivid glimpse into Qatar's immense wealth. However, what many may not realize is that this prosperous nation was once nothing but a barren desert — until a remarkable turn of fortune transformed its destiny completely. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, life in Qatar was tough—many people struggled just to find enough food to survive. But everything changed with the discovery of huge oil and gas reserves. After gaining independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar, along with Shell, found natural gas beneath the Persian Gulf. This area held about 10% of the world's gas reserves, but without the right technology and expertise, Qatar wasn't able to make use of it right away. For many years, this valuable resource just sat underground, waiting for the right moment to transform the country's future. In 1995, everything changed for Qatar. Back then, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani was in charge, but his son, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, took over in a sudden takeover. The new leader saw huge potential in natural gas and decided to take a big risk by investing 20 billion dollars. Many experts thought it was a foolish move, but this bold decision ended up transforming Qatar's future completely. In 2006, Qatar became the world's largest exporter of LNG. Its GDP, which was just $2,755 in 1990, skyrocketed to over $50,000 by 2020. After this economic boom, Qatar made several major investments worldwide. In 2005, it created the Qatar Investment Authority, which purchased the famous Harrods store in London for $2 billion. Qatar also acquired a stake in Canary Wharf and built Europe's tallest skyscraper, The Shard. Additionally, it owns 20% of London's Heathrow Airport. Beyond London, Qatar bought the Paris Saint-Germain football club and acquired a 10.5% share in Volkswagen. On the media front, Qatar launched Al Jazeera in 1996, which has become one of the world's most respected news organizations. Moreover, Qatar Airways has grown into one of the largest airlines globally.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Couple expecting their first baby win £4.5million Omaze London home which has incredible views of The Shard and was once Britain's most expensive council house
A couple expecting their first baby have won a multi-million pound Omaze home with stunning views of one of Britain's most famous landmarks. The 4.5million property used to be the country's most expensive council house but now will house hospitality worker Roger Cana, 37, his accountant wife Shalini, 33, and soon their baby as well. The couple also won £250,000 in cash after buying a ticket for just a £35 entry to the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in London. Roger considered himself 'unlucky' because he had never won anything before in his life. That has all changed now he's won the five-storey, four-bedroom townhouse in the heart of south London offering uninterrupted views of The Shard from an award-winning garden. The 18th century house in Borough is steeped in history, including an iconic, painted Take Courage 'ghost sign' on one side of the brick exterior, which gives a nod to its heritage as part of the former Anchor Brewery. Roger, a food and drink cost controller is expecting a baby boy with his wife in September. The pair, who currently live in a studio flat in Hayes, West London, had been saving for a deposit to buy a house but will now never need a mortgage and plan to bring their son up in the luxury property. Roger said: 'I've always considered myself quite unlucky, as I've never won anything before this, but I guess I can't say that anymore. 'Getting married and finding out we were pregnant were very special days, but this is right up there too and it's definitely the best baby present ever! Recalling the moment he was told he had won, he said: 'It was just another Friday, really. I'd been working hard all day, then I got an email from Omaze saying I'd won something. 'The next thing I knew they turned up and told us we'd won a £4.5million home in London. We couldn't believe it. 'My legs were shaking and my knees went wobbly. We were in total shock! 'We had a bottle of champagne in the house, so we popped that open and got cooking. We always celebrate good times with good food. 'Then we called our families. At first, they all thought we were joking. Then they went from disbelief to being so, so happy for us.' 'We'll raise our son in one of the nicest areas in London. It's just unbelievable. 'We're normally used to seeing the neighbour's laundry from our back garden, but now we've got views of The Shard. 'I'd seen The Shard on TV, but now I can see it while I'm watching TV. It's crazy.' Roger, a food and drink cost controller is expecting a baby boy with his wife in September. The pair, who currently live in a studio flat in Hayes, West London , had been saving for a deposit to buy a house but will now never need a mortgage and plan to bring their son up in the luxury property The property comes mortgage-free with all stamp duty and legal fees covered. Although they have indicated they want their son to grow up in the luxury home, they could also rent the townhouse out for a supplementary income or sell it to become instant cash millionaires. Omaze estimated that if he decides to keep the property, the £250,000 would enable him to run the house for almost 10 years. The house also comes with £150,000 worth of furnishings, ready for Roger and Shalini, who wed three years ago, to enjoy the day they collect the keys. If they decide to rent it out, local estate agents estimate the property could achieve a long-term rental value of between £8,000 to £10,000 per month. Speaking about his new house, Roger said: 'The house is amazing, I got butterflies as soon as I saw it. The furnishings are beautiful, which is great for us as we don't have much of our own because we live in a studio flat. 'We could probably move here with all our belongings just packed into an Uber - maybe we'd get an Exec now though!' Roger, who moved to the UK eight years ago from Goa, India, had entered every Omaze house draw in London prior to his big win in Borough. He added: 'I've lived and worked in London since I arrived here and the goal was to one day own a property here but we never dreamed our first house would be worth £4.5million. 'I work in hospitality but now someone else can bring me the champagne for a change. 'We've been trying to save enough for a deposit so we can get a mortgage, but now we'll never even need a mortgage. Turns out all we needed was £35 and a big slice of luck. 'My wife is an accountant but you don't have to be good with numbers to work out £35 into £4.5million is a pretty good return. 'This has changed our lives forever—our baby's future is now more secure than we could have ever imagined. It's the best feeling in the world. Even our baby's babies will be sorted!' Roger and Shalini, who is from Kerala, India also banked £250,000 in prize money. He said: 'Thanks to that extra cash we also get as part of the win, we can afford to stay here for around 10 years if we want to.' Roger said the couple would now be able to bring their family over to visit the UK for the first time. He added: 'Our family has never been over to see us -but now they can come and stay in style! No sofa beds or three-star hotels for them!' On the money raised for charity: 'We're so happy Omaze has raised such a huge amount for The King's Trust. We're so proud to be a part of the almost £90million Omaze has raised for good causes in the UK.' He added: 'The sign on the house says 'Take Courage' and I believe there is a message in that for us about our future. It's very special.' The four-bedroom townhouse has its own inimitable style to go along with its prestigious postcode, just moments from popular London locations including Borough Market, the Tate Modern and the South Bank. He will be greeted by two entrances that lead to a Bisazza-tiled ground floor, with a hand-built, bespoke eat-in kitchen featuring high-end appliances such as a Rangemaster cooker, integrated fridge-freezer and instant boiling water tap. The interior retains many original period features, married with modern design aspects such as a steel-framed Sun Room extension offering views of the stunning garden. There is a formal dining room with sculptural lighting and open doorways, along with original sash windows that provide an abundance of sunlight in the morning and a warm golden glow in the evening. On the first floor there is a traditional Georgian reception room, plus another family lounge. Three bedrooms are located on the upper floors offering spectacular views of London's skyline, with a fourth bedroom found on the lower floor. The main bedroom has a feature fireplace and an innovatively designed bathroom with a rainfall shower. Another bedroom has a play space mezzanine, while another guest bedroom has a stylish en suite bathroom. Outside there is a separate studio space, which could make an ideal home office. The award-winning garden, designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winners, features extensive planting, wooden bench seating, a leafy canopy and an aromatic herb garden. There is a fire pit which doubles as a barbecue, and subtle accent lighting which adds to the evening ambiance. The view of The Shard in the background makes the property feel like the perfect urban oasis. As well as making Roger a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in London raised £4.1million for The King's Trust. The King's Trust is a charity that helps young people from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity, by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn. The money raised from the partnership will allow the charity to continue its work supporting young people that may not always thrive in mainstream education. Delivered across the UK, The Trust's education programmes help young people to develop the skills they need to access job opportunities in the future. Jonathan Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, The King's Trust said: 'We are thrilled that an incredible £4.1million has been raised for The King's Trust by the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. 'The funds raised will be used to form The Omaze Education Fund and will support our vital work with young people in schools and alternative education settings. With The Trust's help, young people will be encouraged to build their confidence and skills, learn about the world of work and raise their aspirations. 'With the support of The Omaze Education Fund, The King's Trust will be able to take a step closer to our vision of ending youth unemployment.' The partnership with Omaze was backed by magician, King's Trust alumni and Ambassador, Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo). This is the second time The King's Trust has partnered with Omaze and brings the total raised by the Omaze community for the charity to £4.6million. James Oakes, President of Omaze, said: 'Everyone at Omaze is so happy that Roger and his wife have won this incredible house in London, whilst also contributing to our huge raise for The King's Trust, who we've now raised a total of £4.6million for over two incredible partnerships. 'Omaze offers people the chance to win amazing houses, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn't normally reach–it's a real win-win for entrants and our charity partners. We're immensely proud that the Omaze Community has now raised over £89million for good causes across the UK.'
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
World's tallest abandoned skyscraper the Walking Stick to FINALLY be finished decade after £8bn project was left empty
A GIANT skyscraper in China that has stood unfinished for nearly a decade is finally set to resume construction. Work on Goldin Finance 117, nicknamed The Walking Stick due to its architectural shape, ground to an abrupt halt in 2015 amid financial woes. 4 Goldin Finance 117, which has stood unfinished for a decade, on September 8, 2015 Credit: Getty 4 An aerial view of the Goldin Finance 117 in 2022 Credit: Getty 4 The "ghost-scraper" has loomed large over the northern city of Tianjin ever since, with its future remaining up in the air. Planned as a symbol of the country's surging wealth when it broke ground in 2008, it would have been China's tallest tower at the time. Already topped out when construction hit a pause, it now holds the unenviable record of world's tallest abandoned skyscraper. At a whopping 1,959 feet, it is nearly twice as tall as The Shard. Work on the £8billion project hit a pause following the 2015 Chinese stock market crash. But the tower is now set to resume construction after 10 long years, according to Chinese state media. However, it won't get to claim the title as China's tallest building. Two bigger skyscrapers, the Shanghai Tower and Shenzhen's Ping An Finance Centre, have both been completed since. Nevertheless, The Walking Stick's vast heights will still make it the world's sixth tallest building. It would drop to eighth if the world record-targeting Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia and Dubai's Burj Azizi are completed in the coming years. Goldin Finance 117 is now projected to be finished by 2027, CNN has reported. The tower was designed with "mega columns" to shield it against earthquakes and strong winds. Plans also included a diamond-shaped atrium at the top with a swimming pool and observation deck. It was also expected to contain offices and a five-star hotel on its higher floors. But it is not known whether plans for the skyscraper's use will remain unchanged. Goldin Finance 117 is far from the only abandoned high rise to sit on China's skylines. China issued guidance in 2020 banning new skyscrapers over 500 metres (1,640 feet). In central China, the Wuhan Greenland Centre had its planned height slashed from a planned 636 metres (2,087 ft) in 2018 while it was mid-construction. Had it been completed as originally designed, it would have been the world's second tallest tower at the time, only after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. In the end, it reached 476 metres (1,562 feet). Work is also set to resume on the Chengdu Greenland Tower in the country's south west, according to local state-owned media. Construction on this planned 468 metre tall skyscraper has been paused since 2023. The skylines of many of China's biggest cities are dominated by vast towers like this. Five of the 10 tallest completed buildings in the world are in China.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
World's tallest abandoned skyscraper the Walking Stick to FINALLY be finished decade after £8bn project was left empty
A GIANT skyscraper in China that has stood unfinished for nearly a decade is finally set to resume construction. Work on Goldin Finance 117, nicknamed The Walking Stick due to its architectural shape, ground to an abrupt halt in 2015 amid financial woes. 4 4 4 The "ghost-scraper" has loomed large over the northern city of Tianjin ever since, with its future remaining up in the air. Planned as a symbol of the country's surging wealth when it broke ground in 2008, it would have been China 's tallest tower at the time. Already topped out when construction hit a pause, it now holds the unenviable record of world's tallest abandoned skyscraper. At a whopping 1,959 feet, it is nearly twice as tall as The Shard. Work on the £8billion project hit a pause following the 2015 Chinese stock market crash. But the tower is now set to resume construction after 10 long years, according to Chinese state media. However, it won't get to claim the title as China's tallest building. Two bigger skyscrapers, the Shanghai Tower and Shenzhen's Ping An Finance Centre, have both been completed since. Nevertheless, The Walking Stick's vast heights will still make it the world's sixth tallest building. It would drop to eighth if the world record-targeting Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia and Dubai's Burj Azizi are completed in the coming years. Goldin Finance 117 is now projected to be finished by 2027, CNN has reported. The tower was designed with "mega columns" to shield it against earthquakes and strong winds. Plans also included a diamond-shaped atrium at the top with a swimming pool and observation deck. It was also expected to contain offices and a five-star hotel on its higher floors. But it is not known whether plans for the skyscraper's use will remain unchanged. Goldin Finance 117 is far from the only abandoned high rise to sit on China's skylines. China issued guidance in 2020 banning new skyscrapers over 500 metres (1,640 feet). In central China, the Wuhan Greenland Centre had its planned height slashed from a planned 636 metres (2,087 ft) in 2018 while it was mid-construction. Had it been completed as originally designed, it would have been the world's second tallest tower at the time, only after Dubai 's Burj Khalifa. In the end, it reached 476 metres (1,562 feet). Work is also set to resume on the Chengdu Greenland Tower in the country's south west, according to local state-owned media. Construction on this planned 468 metre tall skyscraper has been paused since 2023. The skylines of many of China's biggest cities are dominated by vast towers like this. Five of the 10 tallest completed buildings in the world are in China. 4
