ONE of the world's most famous and visually-daring architects is in the running to design Hanley's new multi-million pound bus station.

Zaha Hadid's practice is among six internationally-renowned design teams shortlisted for the project which will create a new gateway into Stoke-on-Trent city centre.

Others include the architects behind Cornwall's Eden Project, the Millennium Bridge, Gateshead, and Wimbledon's new Number One tennis court.

The shortlist has been drawn up as Stoke-on-Trent City Council revealed the replacement bus station is set to cost between £12 million and £15 million. Construction is expected to start in 2011 and finish the following year.

The work will also unlock Realis Estates' £250 million redevelopment of the East West Centre, creating a new shopping and leisure complex on the site of John Street car park.

Baghdad-born architect Hadid, pictured right, has produced some of the most striking buildings over the last decade, including the Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Hadid's practice is also behind the London Aquatics Centre with its wave-shaped roof, one of the centrepiece buildings for the 2012 Olympics.

The shortlist for Hanley bus station follows a competition organised by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership to find multi-disciplinary teams, including architects, engineers and environmental experts.

More than 40 architectural practices expressed an interest.

The other design teams making the shortlist are:

Austin Smith Lord, which is behind the proposed Tara Street Station, Dublin.

BDP, which was responsible for the Number One court.

Grimshaw, the architects behind the Eden Project.

John McAslan & Partners, which is working on a plan for the redevelopment of London's Marble Arch.

Wilkinson Eyre, which designed the Millennium Bridge.

The six finalists now have 40 days to prepare more detailed submissions, including proposed layouts and external designs.

The Potteries public will be consulted about the designs and their views will form part of the selection process.

Councillor Brian Ward, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We want a design we can be proud of – a modern building, fit for the 21st century."

Realis Estates managing director Duncan Mathieson said: "The high quality of the submissions befits a city of the ambition of Stoke-on-Trent.

"The new bus station is an integral part of our plans for delivering a retail development to enable the city to become a top shopping destination."