The man who helped deliver the completion of Liverpool One has died.
Rod Holmes oversaw the construction of the retail and leisure complex which opened in 2008 as the city celebrated its year as European Capital of Culture.
He served as project director Grosvenor, who were responsible for transforming the city centre into one of the UK’s leading shopping facilities.
Holmes was also tasked with personally guiding Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh through a tour of the development in May 2008.
It proved to be his final role in a 40-year construction career which began as a builders’ apprentice with Bromborough-based Holland, Hannen and Cubitts.
Originally from Yorkshire, Holmes worked in the public and private sector with spells in Europe, the Middle East, Far East, North America and South Africa.
His contribution to the city was recognised with an honourary doctorate from the University of Liverpool and an Honorary Fellowship by John Moores’ University.
It was confirmed that the 82-year-old passed away on Friday (February 6).
Guy Butler, who worked with Holmes at Grosvenor and later on what was originally called the Paradise Project, paid a glowing tribute to him on Sunday.
“Originally known as the Paradise Project, I was fortunate to be brought into the team by Rod in 2002,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“I worked closely with him through to the opening of Liverpool ONE and his retirement in 2008, witnessing first-hand his determination, clarity of vision and his ability to bring people with him.
“Rod was many things to me – a friend, mentor, leader and, at times, a father figure. There is no doubt I would not be who I am today without him.
“He built and inspired a large team whose shared passion reflected his own belief in the project.
“Rod had a rare ability to balance the delivery of a new city centre with genuine care for the people around him, creating not just a successful development, but a group of colleagues united by purpose and pride in what they achieved together.
“His influence lives on not only in Liverpool One, but in the many people whose careers and lives he helped shape.”