Atkins, the international engineering and design consultancy, has been appointed to lead the £17.5m (US$27.4m) renovation programme at the Statue of Liberty in New York, US.

The company has been chosen by the US National Parks Service to carry out "life safety" improvements at the landmark, which will commence in November this year.

Atkins will manage the construction works process as part of the scheme, which will feature the replacement of elevators; accessibility upgrades; and enhanced security and fire systems.

Gary Self, project manager for Atkins, said: "Besides the American eagle, few other symbols represent freedom the way the Statue of Liberty does.

"We couldn't be more proud than to be associated with a programme that will make her safer and more accessible to visitors going forward."

The Statue of Liberty will remain closed to visitors for a year while work is carried out, but Liberty Island will continue to welcome the public.

Details: www.nps.gov