The space will include a gallery and learning areas

Rafael Vi�oly Architects(RVA) was selected from a pool of 100 firms to design the �16m Firstsite:newsite.

The project is to be a major centre for contemporary arts and culture for Colchester and the East of England.

RVA led the "Think" team, which were runners-up for the competition to rebuild the World Trade Centre site in New York City.

RVA has offices in New York and London and its previous work includes The Kimmel Centre for Performing Arts, Philadelphia and The Fortabat Collection Museum in Buenos Aires.

Rafael Vi�oly last year secured the contract to design Leicester's new Performing Arts Centre.

He said: "We are extremely excited and honoured to be working on this important project. This historically valuable site presents a unique and wonderful architectural challenge.

"We are looking forward to working with the partners to develop and realise a cultural centre of regional and national importance, and a new model for visual arts spaces."

The centre is due to be completed in 2007.