Architectural designs for the new US Embassy site in Battersea were unveiled today.

The US State Department named Philadelphia-based firm Kieran Timberlake as the winning architect for the design job.

Wandsworth Council granted outline planning permission for a new embassy building at Nine Elms last September, and the designs will be subject to public consultation in the coming months.

Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister said: "This is extremely welcome news for the borough and for Nine Elms.

"The new designs reveal just how confident the Americans are about the future of the borough and this part of London.

"The plans aim to deliver a landmark building and will help put Nine Elms on the map, internationally as well as nationally.

"With plans progressing on other sites in the area, this is an important and exciting time for Battersea and Nine Elms. We look forward to working with the State Department in the months ahead in the exciting regeneration of this part of London."

The proposed site for the new embassy covers just over five acres on the south side of Nine Elms Lane.

Once built it will employ 800 people and offer jobs for local people.

The Nine Elms area comprises around 450 acres of land on the Thames riverside and is the biggest regeneration opportunity in central London.

The council has identified the potential for thousands of new homes and jobs in the area which stretches from Vauxhall Bridge to Battersea Park.