THING OF THE WEEK

BRONZE… Liverpool just missed out on being named Europe’s Capital of Innovation this week, placing third behind winner Grenoble and runner up Rotterdam. Liverpool was up for the award due to the strength of its innovation ecosystem of universities and businesses and had hoped its bid would be successful and usher in similar economic benefits felt following its year as Capital of Culture in 2008. There was a €1m prize up for grabs, which would have come in handy in getting the next phase of buildings at Paddington Village off the ground.

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Sciontec and part of the bidding team, said: “Innovation and creativity is in our DNA. I’m proud that the judges have recognised that today in placing us in the top three best cities in Europe for innovation.”

“This bid, written at relatively short notice, shows the strength of Team Liverpool and our ability to pull together, quickly, respond to opportunity, and get our city and city region recognised on the world stage.”

Barry Owen received an OBE in 2009. Credit: via Mason Owen

BARRY’S GARDEN… Dubbed a “true gentleman” by well-wishers following his death in April, Liverpool property legend Barry Owen is to have the garden at the planned new Maggie’s cancer centre in the city named after him. Owen’s friends have launched an appeal to help fund the support services and therapy activities that will be delivered in the garden to people with cancer, as well as their families. A fitting legacy. If you wish to contribute to the appeal, you can do so here.

Peter Hynd, chairman of Promenade Estates has done just that, pledging a very generous £5,000. “Barry was a true legend; his legacy inspires us to stand together and support Maggie’s centres with heartfelt dedication,” he said.

Credit: via David Lathwood

CALENDAR… Former King Sturge partner Dave Lathwood provided this week’s most powerful blast from the past when he unearthed the company’s 2003 calendar. Rumoured to have been the inspiration for the Box Office hit Calendar Girls, which was released a full nine months after King Sturge’s effort, the calendar provides a glimpse into how much the working world has changed over the last two decades. Lathwood, who features as a rather stern looking Uncle Sam, posted the memory on LinkedIn, prompting much reminiscing in the comments section.

Credit: PNW

DECORATIONS… The tree is up at Place HQ. It is topped with one of Steve Reed’s infamous red caps, which made its way back to the office from the Labour party conference in Liverpool in September. The cap has become a symbol of the government’s 1.5m housing target – so it is arguably as mythical as the angel it has usurped. Anyway, we want to see what is on top of your tree. Send a picture to [email protected] and we will publish the most festive offices.

Credit: via Jeremy Hinds

GOING UNDERGROUND… There are some quite magnificent underground networks across the world – mainly in Russia, it must be said – and with Manchester due to go subterranean by 2050, the city has the chance to stake a claim for a place among the St Petersburgs of this world. Jeremy Hinds, director at Savills, had a play around with AI to see what it would spit out re a Manchester underground; the image above is the result. Sadly its more Mordor than Moscow.