Hairdresser's building is first completed in Paradise project

14 Dec 2005 

HAIRDRESSER to the rich and famous Herbert Howe was King of the Castle yesterday when his new 'Bling Bling' building became the first to be completed in the Paradise Street redevelopment area.

Although a new multi-storey car park and bus interchange have been completed, Herbert's new headquarters is the first occupied building to celebrate the milestone.

Early in January the building will be handed over so that work can start on a major fitting out of a new salon and hairdressing academy.

Designed by signature architect Piers Gough, the striking glass and white marble building is spread over five floors with over 2000 sq m of retail and office space. The building will be completed in the summer of 2006.

Mr Howe, dubbed the King of Bling because of the unusual design of his new building, has to move from his existing building in Paradise Street, along with neighbours BBC Radio Merseyside and the Friends Meeting House.

Once all three move into Hanover Street in the coming months their existing buildings will be demolished.

The hairdresser was told health and safety rules prevent an on-site champagne celebration, but he promised to return early in the New Year to the site for a party with the workers.

He told executives from builders David McLean, project developers Grosvenor and project managers Liang O'Rourke that he had wanted to thank the construction workers for the building.

Grosvenor's technical director Bill Allen said: "The completion of Herbert's building is an important piece of the jigsaw. We are on target and early in January we will start more work in Paradise Street. The building, with its amazing architecture, will enrich the city for many years to come."

Herbert Howe, Bill Allen, Grosvenor's technical director, and Bill Addy, group business director of David McLean, all laid the final brick on the top floor.

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