Famous London skyscraper the Gherkin has been placed into receivership in a move aimed at removing uncertainty over its ownership.

The World Trade Centre site will be transformed into the “most dynamic state-of-the-art business district anywhere on Earth” as New York City rises from the ashes of September 11, architects and city officials said.

Iconic London building the Gherkin was today sold for a record £600m (€908.3m) in a deal thought to be the most ever paid for an office property in Britain.