Some of the biggest names in architecture have been invited to enter a design competition to create a new skyscraper in Manhattan.

Foster and Partners, Herzog and de Meuron, Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects have been asked to submit designs for 425 Park Avenue by

L&L Holdings.

KPF, Maki and Associates, OMA/Rem Koolhas, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Richard Meier and Partners, Atelier Christian de Portzamparc and Ateliers Jean

Nouvel have also been invited to compete.

The site, in the expensive Plaza District and close to the Seagram Building, is currently occupied by a 32-story building dating from 1957.

David Levinson, chairman and CEO of L&L, said: “It’s not often that you get a vacant building on Park Avenue. It’s the first time that’s happened in 50 years. It’s a

very important moment and we want to create the finest building we possibly can.

“We are going out to what we believe are some of the brightest, most creative architectural minds out there.”

Entries are due in early May, with finalists chosen by the middle of the month. A winner should be announced in October.

Construction will commence in 2015, with completion due in 2017.