The athletics track at Harvey Hadden stadium has achieved a category A classification for the first time following certification by UK Athletics.

The highest grade has been achieved thanks to the additional eighth lane and infield improvements like relocation of long and triple jump pits, upgraded pole vault facility, shot putt and discus area. The existing track has also been cleaned and re-lined.

The Amateur Swimming Association also recently undertook a site visit to certify that the 25m short course and 50m pools meet the required length criteria for world records to be broken.

This means both the stadium and pool can accommodate competitions at all levels; from international to grass roots events.

Ahead of its official opening to the public in September, Harvey Hadden will host a number of test events, the most significant being the return of the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association’s World Games. Taking place from 6-16 August the event is a platform that allows athletes with cerebral palsy from across the globe to complete against one-another.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have given their approval that the track and pools meet the requirements for the World Games Competition.

Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture Cllr Dave Trimble welcomes the news and said: “We are ambitious for Harvey Hadden and its future in being able to host world class events and meet the expectations of athletes who come to the city to compete in their chosen field.”

Ali Talbot, Chief Executive of Cerebral Palsy Sport, said: “We are delighted to be working in close partnership with Nottingham City Council to showcase international disability sport at the Nottingham 2015 CPISRA World Games. The event will attract athletes from all over the world to compete in a range of disability sporting events and to have the opportunity to host these competitions at the new Harvey Hadden Sports complex is fantastic. We are extremely grateful to Nottingham City Council and their team for the support they are giving to the Games and we look forward to a great summer of disability sports action”.

The works have been undertaken by Carillion Plc as the main construction contractor onsite. The new build includes the construction of a new 50 metre swimming pool, new fitness facilities, squash courts and the extended athletics track facility.

Works to refurbish the athletics track have been carried out as part of the re-development at Harvey Hadden following a successful bid to Sport England’s Iconic Facilities Fund. Nottingham City Council was awarded £1.94m to develop iconic facilities at Harvey Hadden and the surrounding area – in addition to the £13.5m already committed through the council’s Leisure Transformation Programme. Additional funding totalling £480,000 was also secured as part of the bidding process, including contributions from England Athletics and Notts Athletics Club, bringing the total investment to over £16m.