A “striking skyline feature” was expected to replace Wembley’s twin towers when designs for the £300m national stadium were unveiled yesterday.

It was anticipated that architects Foster and Partners and HOK+Lobb would provide a new landmark to replace the towers to comply with a Brent council planning brief that calls for a feature that will make fans’ arrival an event in itself.

The 90 000-seat stadium is expected to be twice as high as the current Wembley Stadium, and be more bowl-shaped in an attempt to make spectators feel more involved with the action and each other.

Some features will remain, including a similar royal box. Crossbars from the current ground will be preserved in a Wembley museum.

The cost of the stadium has risen during design, but client Wembley National Stadium Limited is expected to defend the increase by saying the quality of its specification and fit-out will be better than any stadium yet built.