THE man behind the multi-billion pound replacement for New York’s World Trade Centre has agreed to design a flagship new building in Colchester.

World-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind has accepted Essex University’s invitation to design its landmark Institute of Democracy and Conflict Resolution.

US-based Mr Libeskind, whose company devised the overall plan for the World Trade Centre site after it was destroyed by terrorists, has worked on prestigious buildings across the world.

He got a Master’s degree in the history and theory of architecture, at Essex in the Seventies, and said he was honoured to be returning to take part in a project with “visionary humanitarian objectives”.

He and his wife, Nina, have an interest in work which promotes democracy and peace and are also backing the university’s campaign to raise funds for the fledgling institute.

Todd Landman, director of the institute, said an imposing and eye-catching design was expected.

He added: “We are delighted Daniel Libeskind has been chosen to design the iconic building we need to expand and develop our embryonic work.

“The building will evoke a powerful reaction from visitors, while conveying the seriousness and purpose of an international institute.”

Mr Libeskind promised the look of the building would reflect its purpose.

He said: “I have always believed democratic openness and conflict resolution is critical, not only in the political sphere, but in the making of architectural space.”

The institute will be the centrepiece of what the university hopes will grow to become a large complex, with research organisations and human rights charities moving to offices surrounding it.

The eventual plan is for a broader range of firms and Government bodies to move to the development, which will be served by a hotel and leisure facilities and will create hundreds of jobs.

Infrastructure construction has already begun at the site, between Elmstead Road and the railway line, on the edge of the existing university campus.

The institute itself was conceived to build on the university’s 40 years of specialism in the field of human rights.

It will be the largest purpose-built institute of its kind and bosses want it to become internationally famous.

The building will include a mock court for staging simulated trials.

Mr Libeskind is not the First world-renowned architect to make his mark on Colchester.

And he will be hoping for an easier ride than his New York-based peer Rafael Vinoly had when he accepted a commission to design the town’s controversial arts centre, now named Firstsite.

Like Mr Libeskind, Mr Vinoly was challenged to produce an “iconic” building and duly delivered – but the project became mired in delays as builders struggled to turn his vision into reality.