The final design for the World Trade Center memorial has been chosen from 5,201 entries by a 13-strong jury in New York.

Called Reflecting Absence, it will become the centrepiece of the 16-acre WTC site when construction is complete. It will honour all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001 and 26 February, 1993.

Designed by architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker, Reflecting Absence is intended to be used primarily as a meditating space and has been described as having a ‘powerful simplicity’ of structure.

New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, said: “This memorial is not for us – although we have been entrusted with its creation. It is for our children and grandchildren.

“It is so those who visit that sacred ground know what happened there and why so many people died to protect our freedom. I believe the design accomplishes that important goal and that the memorial will serve as a strong spiritual focal point in a revitalized lower Manhattan.”

The memorial is expected to become one of the most popular places in the city for tourists to visit. Details: www.wtcsitememorial.org