New WTC to be symbol of strength

A rebuilt World Trade Centre should be tall enough to act as a ‘‘powerful symbol’’ of America’s strength, new guidelines from the site’s developers said today.

The revised blueprint from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation followed a survey of the general public over the last few months.

It emphasised the need for ‘‘excellence in design’’ to ensure the area becomes a symbol of New York City recognised around the globe.

This would include a world university that would be a centre for international education, and more housing, parks, hospitals and schools.

It also called for ‘‘a new skyline ... that serves as a powerful symbol of our nation’s strength and determination’’.

Planners have said new buildings at Ground Zero will probably be a maximum of 60 storeys high, compared to the 110-storey twin towers.

But other schemes have been proposed for taller structures on the site, ranging from a television broadcast tower to an office building with an empty structure rising above it to simulate the height of the World Trade Centre.

The corporation’s plan also recommended that the September 11 memorial should be ‘‘integrated’’ with its surroundings.

Up to six more detailed proposals for Ground Zero are to be presented to the public next week. A single proposal will be selected by December 1.

Meanwhile, a new study showed today that families damaged financially and emotionally by the September 11 attacks will need €779m in aid in the next few months.

Most of the cash is needed for unemployment payments and mental health benefits, the study by the 9/11 United Services Group, a non-profit charity coalition said.