"This project to reconstruct the spire is part of our shared history. It is also a symbol of cohesion," says French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati during the laying of the foundation stone for the spire of the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The Mayor of Saint-Denis, Mathieu Hanotin, describes it as "a unifying force". The new tower is expected to reach a height of 90 metres and be completed around 2030. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES