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Bill Allen, the man who transformed Liverpool by building Liverpool One, has died on a construction project in India.

He died while overseeing a Convention and Exhibition Centre project in Mumbai, although details of the cause of his death have not yet been revealed.

Today tributes were paid to Mr Allen by colleagues who worked with him on building the massive shopping complex in the heart of Liverpool.

Rod Holmes, who was the development director on the project, said: “Bill made an enormous contribution to the regeneration of Liverpool City Centre between 2003 and 2008.

“He was a natural leader, determined to deliver Liverpool One against massive odds and a very tight programme.

“He had enormous energy and loved personal challenges, leading his team on cycling and climbing adventures.

“He was my dependable colleague and a great partner.”

Mr Allen, who was 51 and from Yorkshire, was responsible for leading a team of thousands of project managers, engineers, architects, construction professionals and contractors, whose role involved building everything from underground service roads, car parks and plant rooms to more than 30 buildings above these, including shops, offices, apartments, hotels and the award-winning Chavasse Park.

Following his achievement at Liverpool One, Mr Allen went on to work on further large-scale international projects across both the UK, in Romania, Ukraine and India.

Chris Bliss, estate director at Liverpool One, remembered his close colleague fondly.

He said: “Bill played a key role in ensuring Liverpool One was delivered to the highest quality in order for the estate to have the best opportunity from the start and become the success it is today.

“He was a man with tremendous tenacity and determination, and it was a pleasure to work alongside him.

“He quickly became a personal friend during the project and was a great man to spend time with and be part of his adventures.”

Mr Allen leaves a wife, Debbie, and three children, Ben, Luke and Ellie Rose.