IT is one of the most recognisable buildings in the City of London and this week the man behind the design of the iconic Gherkin was back in his hometown of Bolton to inspire young people who also have designs on success.

While the building is an iconic symbol of the capital, many will not know the name Robin Partington, the architect which led the team behind its development.

Mr Partington, just weeks after becoming a Freeman of the City, was back at his old school, Bolton School, to share the remarkable story behind the development of The Gherkin and his career success — as well a recognising the achievements of young people in his old school.

Mr Partington, who is originally from Lostock and now lives in London, said: “I was one of the naughty boys. I was either going to be top of the class or the bottom and I did the latter and was very good at it.

“There is someone who triggers something and it is often a teacher. I was lucky to have several who did not give up on me, especially Mr Dawber who had a delicious sense of humour and was so endearing.

“Something clicked and I did reasonably well at my O-levels and crashed and burned at my A-levels.”

It was his own sense of belief which saw him drive to the University of Liverpool and refuse to leave until he was given a place. His stubbornness paid off because not only did he receive a place the leading university, he was also found a place at Bath and Cardiff universities.

“I legged it to the university and I stayed until 7.30. I wasn’t going to move, “ said Mr Partington, aged 56.

Mr Partington, of Robin Partington and Partners, said: “I was lazy and said I wanted to do architecture, because I could swap courses if I wanted to, though I don’t think students would be able to do that today.

“I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer. I had an uncle who was an aeronautical engineer who worked on the Apollo programme and he used to send me magazines, but my parents were architects.”

Mr Partington, then working for Foster Associates, led the team to develop the site of the former Baltic Exchange, which was bombed by the IRA in 1992. His client was Swiss Re, an insurance company, and the intention was to create offices. The brief was not to create a landmark building.

Sustainability and the space available and a “world class team” led to the development of the building – and surprisingly it was a planning officer who suggested creating an extra three floors, creating the elegant dome shape.

Mr Partington said: “After the building was complete it is on to the next project.

“The worst part of a project is when it is complete because you have worked with the best people on the planet and then you all go to different projects.”

Mr Partington is now drawing up plans to develop phase two of the project to create a vibrant retail and café area - plans which were put on hold following the terror attacks on the World Trade Centre.

He added: “I am excited to going back after 10 years. It just an open Plaza.”

Buildings which impress Mr Partington include the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon in Rome.

He urged young people to learn the art of communication and keep hold of the friendships they make.

“I have worked with some amazing people.

“The friendships we make are absolutely vital, it is a small world," he said

Lewis Dixon, aged 15, said: “I thought the presentation was really good and it having an old boy back is inspiring and that anything can be a reality.”

Samuel Reilly, aged 15, added: “I am really proud that someone like Robin is attached to this school.

“I am interested in architecture and engineering so this was good."