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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
What To Expect When Olympia, London's Cultural Landmark, Opens In 2025
The reimagined Olympia London is being co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC Everyday there's a new story on how AI isn't just disrupting the creative industry but decimating it. There are those, however, who firmly believe in the power of human creativity and want to champion it. One of them is Lloyd Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Yoo Capital, the firm behind the redevelopment of Olympia London. For the uninitiated, Olympia is a landmark exhibition and events center in West London that at its peak hosted 200 events a year. Established in 1886, it was the setting for the first Ideal Home Show in 1908, welcomed performances by Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd in 1967 and served as the venue for Vivienne Westwood's first-ever fashion runway show in 1981. It has witnessed many historic creative moments and aims to be a 'world-leading arts, events, entertainment and experiential district' upon completion. Currently under a £1.3 billion redevelopment, the new and improved Olympia still has creativity at its heart. Its mission is even more important at a time when the arts, entertainment and cultural sectors are suffering major setbacks. When Olympia reopens at the end of 2025, it will unveil London's first new theater in 50 years, a 4,000-capacity live music venue, over 30 different hospitality spaces and more—a tangible win for creatives far and wide. 'We absolutely believe that Olympia's primary grain of DNA is showcase. It is, has been and always will be a global showcase for talent, culture, entertainment, innovation, technology and everything in between. The key is that we believe Olympia is and will be redefining what a global showcase is and can be,' says Lee. A new socioeconomic report by consultancy firm Volterra says 'Olympia will generate over £600 million in GVA annually—its new music hall and theater alone will contribute £18 million annually to London's cultural sector.' They estimate that this will draw 10 million annual visitors to the UK capital, and also contribute over £640 million to destinations outside London. Lloyd Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Yoo Capital Curious to learn more about the next chapter of the Olympia story? We speak to Lee for a behind-the-scenes look at the second life of this historic cultural venue. How did you first come across the opportunity to redevelop Olympia? We've always had a very strong vision of what we're trying to achieve, but we are also incredibly research-based, and these two things inform how and why we invest. Back in 2015 when the first rumblings of Brexit appeared, we read volumes of data to inform our decision-making process. Our conclusion was to invest into real estate with a strong operational mindset. We began looking for projects where we could control and create the best environment for people to work, learn, live and play, in an international capital like London. We also knew that Brexit would cause turbulence that would provide us with the opportunity to buy assets when few others would. In the summer of 2016, we shook hands with the former owners of Olympia, with the support of investors, and completed a deal that released a non-core asset from their portfolio. This allowed us to acquire this historic landmark that needed to be rejuvenated and required significant reinvestment. As with so many of our deals, it started with a Friday breakfast meeting, which is when the idea popped up. The following day, we headed to Olympia and saw 14-acres of freehold land with the remarkable grand Victorian halls. We sent the offer letter three weeks later. London is home to a trove of high-value redevelopment projects that feature adaptive reuse, conservation and preservation. What sets Olympia apart? Co-authorship. We believe our role is to lead with a dynamic vision, working in true co-authorship with some of the most talented names in their respective sectors. At Olympia, we are blessed to have fantastic partners in theater, live music entertainment, restaurants, hotels, events and exhibitions, and education. Even in our office spaces, we see ourselves as partners with our office tenants and we want Olympia to support their success. When people come to work in our spaces at Olympia, we want them to be inspired to do their very best work, and so our pledge to our partners is that we'll ensure their people love coming to work. We joke that whether they like their job or not is up to them! Circa 1926: Signs advertising the Royal Tournament show outside Olympia Exhibition Hall at Olympia, London. (Photo by General) Olympia is etched in history. Why is it important for a city like London to ensure a destination like Olympia lives on? Our public spaces will be programmed by some of the most inventive and creative teams in experiential streetscapes. Everywhere you look, we want visitors to see and experience new ideas, art, music and innovation. All showcased by someone who has come to Olympia to tell the world who they are and what they do. And we don't just want this story to be told at Olympia, but also through Olympia. We're looking for our destination to amplify all the fantastic things to see and do here through our own channels. London has a 2,000-year history and yet it remains one of the most exciting cities in the world. This is because it never stops moving, it always reinvents itself, and part of this is ensuring that its historical assets keep adapting to the times we live in. Olympia was cutting-edge when it opened almost 140 years ago, and it will now be ready for the next generations to enjoy. How did you and your team choose the partners and the players that will bring Olympia to life? We chose partners who combined a real fire for excellence and a distinctive identity, with a desire to contribute to Olympia's story, to truly be part of it so we could tell a new chapter together. It is this combination of excellence, originality and commitment that has been a theme across Olympia throughout its history, and we believe that our partners are true to that heritage. All of them are the very best in their fields: The project is being co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC—both global architecture practices who have worked on projects such as Borough Yards and Google's new London HQ. Olympia will unveil London's first new theater in 50 years, a 4,000-capacity live music venue, over 30 different restaurants, plus a collection of offices, schools and more On the entertainment side, AEG Presents will be operating the new 4,000-capacity music venue, while Trafalgar Entertainment will run the theater, which is the largest to be built in London in nearly half a century. On the hospitality front, citizenM and Hyatt will be operating our two hotels, while Incipio and D3 Collective—two very well established UK hospitality companies—will be behind a number of restaurant and bar concepts. Our boutique gym will be managed by 1Rebel, and our school by Wetherby Pembridge, while our event spaces will carry on being run by the Olympia Events team, now part of Legends, who have looked after these fantastic spaces for many years. Finally, we are also very proud to support The BRIT School through a bursary program, as well as numerous other good causes via our partnership with EARNT and our charitable fund. What all of these people and organizations have in common is the desire to create something truly unique together. There won't be two places like Olympia. Why do you think it's important to invest in cultural initiatives at this day and age when many get their entertainment online? If there is one stream of important data we studied, it was the proliferation of digital entertainment. We formed a contracyclical thesis that live moments and in-person experiences—exactly those you cannot get on digital media—would have to up their game. We knew that when they did, people would crave going out, being with other people, experiencing something that is only possible there and then, in the moment. Reflecting now, five years since Covid began, we have seen those exact dynamics play out. We are continuing to invest into those areas because we believe that the performing arts and live entertainment are hugely important to the human experience. We see Olympia as a microcosm of London, and it's London's culture and entertainment offering that makes it such a great place to live, work and visit. But despite this, the UK's creative industries continue to face significant challenges, including the closure of key cultural institutions and a decline in the nighttime economy. Our ambition for Olympia is to be a catalyst—not just the cultural industries but the tourism sector as well. Olympia aims to be "a global showcase for talent, culture, entertainment, innovation, technology and everything in between" How would you personally measure the success of Olympia? We believed in this project from the very beginning and the new findings by Volterra—over £600 million in gross value added and 7,000 new jobs—confirm what we always knew: Olympia has an unmatched potential. Yoo Capital's mission is to be both fiscally and socially responsible. For Olympia, this means re-emerging as this global showcase for culture, innovation, art and entertainment. It will look after and inspire the next generations of young talent because that too is what global showcases should do. As the largest commercial neighbor in the community, we need to lead the way as responsible corporate citizens in how we engage with local residents, schools and nonprofits. We need to be open and transparent in our communications and interactions; we also need to generate returns to our investors so that they see the true risk-reward benefit of investing this way and continue to invest more this way going forward, creating a positive cycle. Describe the ideal scene you'd like to see on an ordinary day in Olympia when it opens. What I envision as an ordinary day at Olympia would be a day that brings all these things together: a cutting-edge business conference drawing leading minds from all over the world, a local family sharing a meal in one of our restaurants, some of our office employees enjoying drinks after work, a group of friends from abroad checking in at one of our hotels and getting ready to head to the theater, a young musician busking on Olympia Way. It's the whole of London, in one place. Lastly, what kind of events would you love Olympia to host in the near future? The Oscars! I hear their 100th anniversary is coming up.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kelleher to Brentford: Liverpool accept £18m bid for keeper as Flekken heads to Leverkusen
Kelleher to Brentford: Liverpool accept £18m bid for keeper as Flekken heads to Leverkusen Brentford have had a bid accepted for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with the deal potentially rising to £18 million including add-ons. The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international has long been keen to secure regular first-team football. His chances at Liverpool were limited by the presence of Alisson Becker, and competition was only set to intensify with Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive at Anfield this summer. Advertisement Kelleher is entering the final year of his contract and has now been given the green light to leave. He is expected to complete the switch to West London in the coming days. Brentford's move for Kelleher coincides with Mark Flekken's impending departure. The Dutch goalkeeper is on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen in a €10 million (£8.4 million) deal. He started 37 Premier League matches for the Bees last season and helped them finish in the top half of the table. At Leverkusen, Flekken will link up with fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag, who has been appointed as the club's new head coach following Xabi Alonso's departure. Kelleher made 10 Premier League appearances and featured in four Champions League matches for Liverpool last season. He also started in back-to-back Carabao Cup finals, having built a reputation as a reliable deputy and an accomplished penalty stopper. Advertisement Speaking after Liverpool's Premier League title celebrations last month, Kelleher again underlined his ambition to become a number one elsewhere. Kelleher joined Liverpool's academy from Ringmahon Rangers in 2015 and made his senior debut in 2019. He leaves Anfield having made 67 appearances and earned 22 caps for Ireland. Liverpool are preparing for life without him. The club agreed a £29 million deal for Valencia's Mamardashvili last summer and are now ready to activate the move. They have also signed right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and remain in talks over a €130 million transfer for midfielder Florian Wirtz. Brentford and Liverpool have maintained a productive relationship in recent windows. The Bees signed Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho on loan from the Reds last summer.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Erik ten Hag ‘makes first transfer signing' for Bayer Leverkusen as he raids Premier League – but it's not from Man Utd
ERIK TEN HAG is on the verge of confirming his first signing at Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga side have agreed a deal in principle to sign Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. 2 2 Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso as Leverkusen manager this week after the Spaniard joined Real Madrid earlier this month. Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United last November, six months after lifting a shock FA Cup trophy against Manchester City. While many expected the Dutchman to continue his trend of signing former players to his new club, Ten Hag will first welcome Flekken. The German giants, who finished second behind Bayern Munich this season, look poised to sign Flekken in a deal worth £11 million. But Flekken's move won't go ahead until the West London club have secured a replacement. The Bees, who finished 10th in the Premier League this term, are in advanced talks with Liverpool for Caoimhin Kelleher. Anfield chiefs value the 26-year-old Irish stopper, who is second in the pecking order behind Alisson, at £20million. Flekken enjoyed a solid season as the Bees narrowly missed out on European football and was a dream for fantasy footie managers. The 31-year-old, who kept eight clean sheets, started his career in the academy of Dutch side Roda JC. But he has spent the bulk of his career in Germany with Freiburg, Duisburg, Greuther Furth and Alemannia Aachen. He joined Brentford from German side Freiburg in May 2023 and succeeded Arsenal-bound David Raya as Thomas Frank's No 1. Meanwhile, Ten Hag is set for a huge squad reshuffle next season.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
DJ Fat Tony, 58, gushes over 'happiest chapter of my life' as he prepares to tie the knot with fiancé Stavros Agapiou, 32
DJ Fat Tony has gushed over the 'happiest chapter of my life' as he prepares to tie the knot with fiancé Stavros Agapiou. Tony, 58, and Stavros, 32, have been engaged since October 2023 and are set to walk down the aisle in a lavish London ceremony on Saturday. And the morning of the wedding, Fat Tony, real name Tony Marnach, shared a sweet Instagram post that read, 'Love Wins' Tony added in the caption: 'Here we stand at the beginning... The happiest chapter of my life x' Kate Moss and Gemma Collins will reportedly act as bridesmaids at the star-studded wedding. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. With Tony being hugely popular on the celebrity circuit, it's little surprise that the nuptials will host an eclectic star-studded guestlist and an A-list performance from none other than Kylie Minogue for the evening celebrations, according to reports. Perhaps more surprising however is the unlikely pairing of supermodel Kate, 51, and reality star Gemma, 44, who alongside Coronation Street 's Claire Sweeney , 54, will allegedly stand by Tony's side as he marries the love of his life. The glitzy event is said to be taking place at a church in West London, with the likes of David and Victoria Beckham and David Furnish mingling alongside Alison Hammond and Jedward, while Tony previously revealed that he wanted Boy George as his best man. A source told The Sun: 'Tony is one of the most popular people on the London celebrity circuit and his wedding is going to be packed full of stars. 'No one had Kate, Gemma and Claire in a bridal party on their bingo cards this year, though. It's going to be incredible to see them lining up together.' They added: 'Tony and Stavros have put a lot of thought into their big day and it's going to be one to remember. As for having Kylie singing at their evening do, it's iconic.' The insider went on to say that Tony's dog will also have a 'role' in the big day while the couple 'couldn't be happier' about saying their vows in front of their loved ones - noting that the wedding pictures will 'go down in history'. MailOnline have contacted DJ Fat Tony's representatives for comment. In 2023, Tony opened up about the poignant choice of church for their wedding, noting that he plans to wed in a church in Earls Court which honoured those who died of HIV and AIDS in the eighties and nineties. He said at the time: 'This church was the only place that had love and compassion for our community. I want to get married there because, for me, it's full circle. It's for everybody that didn't make it to that point.' Earlier this month, much of the reported guestlist stepped out to party with DJ Fat Tony at his star-studded stag do. The renowned DJ, real name Tony Marnach, was joined by his closest friends including Gemma, Claire and Jade Jagger as he celebrated before his marriage to Stavros. The pair have been engaged since October 2023 after Tony popped the question during a romantic trip to New York. The stag was thrown at an elite speakeasy style bar in Mayfair known for live music and burlesque performers. Tony donned a sophisticated all black ensemble with a pair of jeans, zip down structured jacket as he beamed for a snap with the TOWIE legend. Gemma wore a stunning white co-ord featuring flared trousers and a buttoned waistcoat over a colourful ruffled blouse. Claire, 54, was beaming as she arrived in Mayfair wearing a golden jumpsuit with a houndstooth pattern and an oversized faux fur coat. Jade Jagger, daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Sir Mick Jagger, was in great spirits as she was photographed with Tony when she arrived at the party. The exclusive guest list kept going with fashion designer Kyle De'Volle and Gavin And Stacey actor Russell Tovey. Elsewhere, the likes of Kate Moss and Alison Hammond celebrated with the happy couple at their glitzy engagement party at The Londoner Hotel last year. This Morning host Alison was joined by son Aidan, with Gemma and John Grimes of Jedward also in attendance. Also in attendance was singer Boy George, actor Russell Tovey and author Irvine Welsh and his wife Emma Currie. It comes as Tony and Stavros were showered with gifts just hours before their nuptials on Saturday. The couple, who will say 'I Do' at the weekend, were sent gorgeous bouquets of flowers as the DJ took to Instagram to share their lovely gifts on Friday. Meanwhile, the happy couple were also sent a sweet good luck message from pal Davina McCall as she she shared her love for them ahead of their big day. In a video shared to Fat Tony's Instagram, Davina, 57, could be seen beaming into the camera as she remarked: 'Tony, Stavros, I'm so excited because the forecast for Saturday is amazing! 'I'm so happy for you guys, I'm so excited, I'm so excited to give you both a hug and welcome in this new and brilliant phase of your life. And I'm just sending you both so much love. 'I hope you're not too stressed, I don't think you will be. I'm really, me and Michael [Douglas, her partner] are really looking forward to celebrating with you both on Saturday. We love you so much. Love you, bye.' Captioning his post with a message back to Davina, Tony penned: 'We love you @davinamccall @mdlondon we can't wait to celebrate with you and all our family and friends on Saturday #thegreatestdayofmylife @stavrosagapiou.' Following the loved up engagement that took place in New York, Tony shared the intimate moment on Instagram where he looked thrilled when Stavros said yes after getting down on one knee in front of a fountain in Central Park. At the time, he penned: 'When you find real happiness in life never let it go today I can truly say I'm the happiest I've ever been. 'I went to Central Park to this magical fountain and asked the man that has changed my life in so many ways and helped show me that I can be loved and how too love to marry me and make me complete and he said YES I'm so overwhelmed with joy.' The couple's celeb pals rushed to the comment section to congratulate them. Gemma wrote: 'Crying with happiness ❤️❤️ for you both I'm so happy CONGRATULATIONS' Paloma Faith: 'Congratulations to you both you make me sick'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Moss and Gemma Collins 'to be bridesmaids' at DJ Fat Tony's wedding to fiancé Stavros Agapiou - as star-studded guestlist and A-list performer are 'revealed'
Kate Moss and Gemma Collins will reportedly act as bridesmaids at the DJ Fat Tony's wedding to fiancé Stavros Agapiou on Saturday. Tony, 58, and Stavros, 32, have been engaged since October 2023 and are set to walk down the aisle in a lavish London ceremony at the weekend. And with Tony being hugely popular on the celebrity circuit, it's little surprise that the nuptials will host an eclectic star-studded guestlist and an A-list performance from none other than Kylie Minogue for the evening celebrations, according to reports. Perhaps more surprising however is the unlikely pairing of supermodel Kate, 51, and reality star Gemma, 44, who alongside Coronation Street 's Claire Sweeney, 54, will allegedly stand by Tony's side as he marries the love of his life. The glitzy event is said to be taking place at a church in West London, with the likes of David and Victoria Beckham and David Furnish mingling alongside Alison Hammond and Jedward, while Tony previously revealed that he wanted Boy George as his best man. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Tony, 58, and Stavros, 32, have been engaged since October 2023 and are set to walk down the aisle in a lavish London ceremony at the weekend A source told The Sun: 'Tony is one of the most popular people on the London celebrity circuit and his wedding is going to be packed full of stars. 'No one had Kate, Gemma and Claire in a bridal party on their bingo cards this year, though. It's going to be incredible to see them lining up together.' They added: 'Tony and Stavros have put a lot of thought into their big day and it's going to be one to remember. As for having Kylie singing at their evening do, it's iconic.' The insider went on to say that Tony's dog will also have a 'role' in the big day while the couple 'couldn't be happier' about saying their vows in front of their loved ones - noting that the wedding pictures will 'go down in history'. MailOnline have contacted DJ Fat Tony's representatives for comment. In 2023, Tony opened up about the poignant choice of church for their wedding, noting that he plans to wed in a church in Earls Court which honoured those who died of HIV and AIDS in the eighties and nineties. He said at the time: 'This church was the only place that had love and compassion for our community. I want to get married there because, for me, it's full circle. It's for everybody that didn't make it to that point.' Earlier this month, much of the reported guestlist stepped out to party with DJ Fat Tony at his star-studded stag do. The renowned DJ, real name Tony Marnach, was joined by his closest friends including Gemma, Claire and Jade Jagger as he celebrated before his marriage to Stavros. The pair have been engaged since October 2023 after Tony popped the question during a romantic trip to New York. The stag was thrown at an elite speakeasy style bar in Mayfair known for live music and burlesque performers. Tony donned a sophisticated all black ensemble with a pair of jeans, zip down structured jacket as he beamed for a snap with the TOWIE legend. Gemma wore a stunning white co-ord featuring flared trousers and a buttoned waistcoat over a colourful ruffled blouse. Claire, 54, was beaming as she arrived in Mayfair wearing a golden jumpsuit with a houndstooth pattern and an oversized faux fur coat. Jade Jagger, daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Sir Mick Jagger, was in great spirits as she was photographed with Tony when she arrived at the party. The exclusive guest list kept going with fashion designer Kyle De'Volle and Gavin And Stacey actor Russell Tovey. Elsewhere, the likes of Kate Moss and Alison Hammond celebrated with the happy couple at their glitzy engagement party at The Londoner Hotel last year. This Morning host Alison was joined by son Aidan, with Gemma and John Grimes of Jedward also in attendance. Also in attendance was singer Boy George, actor Russell Tovey and author Irvine Welsh and his wife Emma Currie. It comes as Tony and Stavros were showered with gifts just hours before their nuptials on Saturday. The couple, who will say 'I Do' at the weekend, were sent gorgeous bouquets of flowers as the DJ took to Instagram to share their lovely gifts on Friday. Meanwhile, the happy couple were also sent a sweet good luck message from pal Davina McCall as she she shared her love for them ahead of their big day. In a video shared to Fat Tony's Instagram, Davina, 57, could be seen beaming into the camera as she remarked: 'Tony, Stavros, I'm so excited because the forecast for Saturday is amazing! 'I'm so happy for you guys, I'm so excited, I'm so excited to give you both a hug and welcome in this new and brilliant phase of your life. And I'm just sending you both so much love. 'I hope you're not too stressed, I don't think you will be. I'm really, me and Michael [Douglas, her partner] are really looking forward to celebrating with you both on Saturday. We love you so much. Love you, bye.' Captioning his post with a message back to Davina, Tony penned: 'We love you @davinamccall @mdlondon we can't wait to celebrate with you and all our family and friends on Saturday #thegreatestdayofmylife @stavrosagapiou.' The couple, who will say 'I Do' at the weekend, were sent gorgeous bouquets of flowers as the DJ took to Instagram to share their lovely gifts on Friday Meanwhile, the happy couple were also sent a sweet good luck message from pal Davina McCall as she she shared her love for them ahead of their big day Following the loved up engagement that took place in New York, Tony shared the intimate moment on Instagram where he looked thrilled when Stavros said yes after getting down on one knee in front of a fountain in Central Park. At the time, he penned: 'When you find real happiness in life never let it go today I can truly say I'm the happiest I've ever been. 'I went to Central Park to this magical fountain and asked the man that has changed my life in so many ways and helped show me that I can be loved and how too love to marry me and make me complete and he said YES I'm so overwhelmed with joy.' The couple's celeb pals rushed to the comment section to congratulate them. Gemma wrote: 'Crying with happiness ❤️❤️ for you both I'm so happy CONGRATULATIONS' Paloma Faith: 'Congratulations to you both you make me sick'
