Post by Kev on Jul 16, 2004 6:46:10 GMT -5
THIS is the first glimpse of new Liverpool, a 'Bling Bling' fun building in the heart of the Paradise Street redevelopment for flamboyant hairdresser Herbert Lowe.
Celebrated architect Piers Gough of London-based CZWG has designed a zany building, (pictured), that will become a major attraction at the corner of Hanover Street and School Lane.
The £4m structure will be the new home for Herbert of Liverpool's salon and hairdressing college.
Mr Gough - the 'G' in CZWG - was commissioned to design a spectacular building that would sit comfortably between two classic Edwardian buildings, the Crane Building and Abney Building.
He had a face-to-face meeting with Herbert before coming up with his design.
"I am sure meeting Herbert first helped in the design of the building," he said.
Rod Holmes, project director at Grosvenor, said: "We wanted a building on what is a small site to act as a gateway into the area. Piers has come up with something that is fantastically exciting. People are already referring to it as 'Bling Bling'.
"It will be highly visible as soon as people turn the corner from Bold Street or head down Wood Street."
Herbert said he was knocked out when he saw the architect's drawing.
"As soon as I met Piers I knew he would come up with something special, but never in my wildest imagination did I expect something so absolutely stunning.
"It looks as though it has been specially designed for me. I just can't wait to move in. People are already starting to call me the King of Bling.
"The building makes a great statement for new Liverpool. I only hope I can live up to what will be an incredible building for Herbert of Liverpool."
The steel and glass structure will have a shimmering leopard-skin effect using a process known as vermiculation.
Mr Gough made his name with a turquoise coloured public toilet-come-flowerstall in the Portobello Road area of London's Notting Hill. He also designed China Wharf, an impressive red building on the banks of the Thames and the Green Bank bridge at London's Miles End.
Work will start early next year and the building will be ready within a year, allowing Herbert's existing salon and school in Paradise Street to be bulldozed.
Cllr Beatrice Fraenkel, Liverpool city council's design champion said: "This little gem will become one of Liverpool's most exciting buildings. I am thrilled by the design and it shows architects are now taking this city seriously."
Meanwhile, the owners of Liverpool cultural centre Quiggins are expected to confirm tomorrow that they have submitted a legal objection to the Compulsory Purchase Order hanging over their Peters Lane site which is part of the Grosvenor development.
Detailed negotiations are however continuing behind the scenes.
From the Liverpool Echo
