Plans have been revealed for a new skyscraper for the site of the World Trade Center complex, the first major new construction there since the attacks on 11 September 2001.

The building will have 52 storeys and a glass facade

The 52-storey office tower will replace a slightly shorter building on the 7 World Trade Center site.

Real estate development Larry Silverstein, who leases the complex, displayed the plans at a ceremony attended by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki.

Work on the foundations has already begun.

The project is part of a major redevelopment of the 16-acre site which will include a memorial for the victims of the attack.

The fact that this building is going up now and going up here says that we will not be intimidated by the terrorists Michael Bloomberg

Designs for other parts of the complex will not be finalised until next year, although Mr Silverstein said No 7 would serve as a model.

The building, which is scheduled to open in 2005, is being built with stairs 20% wider than stipulated by city fire regulations, stronger fireproofing and an internal antenna system for improved communication by firefighters and police.

'Shaft of light'

Mr Bloomberg said: "The fact that this building is going up now and going up here, right on the site of the old No 7, says that we will not be intimidated by the terrorists.

"It's a shaft of light welcoming you to the new site of the World Trade Center," said Mr Pataki.

The original building on the site collapsed in flames several hours after the twin towers were hit by two hijacked passenger aircraft.

There were no fatalities in No 7, which had been evacuated by the time it fell.

The cost of the new building is expected to be covered by $800m in insurance proceeds.