Asif Haroon Aziz (born Jan 1967) is a billionaire businessman and landlord, founder and CEO of Criterion Capital, known for owning the London Trocadero and Criterion Building in Piccadilly.
More than 80 firefighters and about 30 trucks have contained a fire at a single building on Victoria Street, Richmond. The blaze affected adjacent shopfronts; the premises was unoccupied. Victoria Police are investigating a ram raid and arson. Thick smoke has prompted VicEmergency alerts and road closures.
Residents in several London blocks report extreme heat and blocked cooling, with councils relocating tenants and landlords defending management. From Firminy to Britannia Point, heat exposes gaps in listed buildings, temporary accommodation, and the balance between safety and comfort.
Edinburgh’s Princes Street remains partly closed after a blaze, but authorities are pushing ahead with stabilisation work, public funding, and a plan to restore the 150-year-old Debenhams facade. Council leaders emphasise safety and momentum, while a public consultation is promised within six months.