Liverpool Cathedral will be the venue for a memorial service for Rod Holmes in May to celebrate the ‘life and legacy’ of the man described as the ‘driving force’ behind Liverpool ONE and who died in February aged 78. Tony McDonough reports
Rod Holmes was the driving force behind one of the biggest projects in the history of Liverpool and his “life and legacy” will be celebrated in the city in May.
Yorkshireman Rod, who died in February aged 78, came to love the city where he oversaw the huge and complex construction of Grosvenor’s £1bn Liverpool ONE retail and leisure scheme that transformed the city centre.
Liverpool Cathedral will be the venue for a memorial service for Rod on Friday, May 8, starting at 1.30pm. People who may wish to attend are being asked to register by clicking here. Colleagues, friends and all those whose lives and careers were touched by Rod’s work are encouraged to attend.
Rod’s association with Merseyside actually stretches back to the beginning of his 40-year career when he began work as a student building apprentice with Bromborough-based Holland, Hannen & Cubitts.
He joined Grosvenor in 1999 to lead the development of the 42-acre Paradise Project, which went on to become Liverpool ONE. He assembled and led the team that delivered the scheme, helping to reshape Liverpool city centre.
Following the completion of Liverpool ONE in 2008, Rod continued to contribute significantly to the city’s wider economic renaissance. He was later appointed chair of economic development body The Mersey Partnership.
He spent four years in the role, and oversaw the successful merger of the organisation with the Local Enterprise Partnership, which was finalised in March 2012.
His contribution was recognised through several awards, including the Liverpool Post Regional Business Person of the Year in 2012, Contribution of the Year in the 2010 North West Property Awards and Royal Institute of British Architects Client of the Year in 2009.
During his career Rod worked across the UK and internationally, with projects in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia.
Earlier in his career, he was involved in landmark developments including the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, often referred to as the “Pyramid of the Gulf”.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rod was a committed supporter of Liverpool’s cultural life. He served as a trustee of the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres and helped establish the Liverpool ONE Charitable Foundation.
Chris Bliss, former Liverpool ONE director, said: “Following Rod’s passing and funeral in East Yorkshire, many people felt it was important to hold something in Liverpool to properly recognise the scale of his contribution to the city.
“A small group of his friends and colleagues have come together to organise what we hope will be a fitting celebration of his life and work.”