The national governing body for track and field will take up residence at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium in October, moving into the new and as yet unnamed grandstand which was opened on Sunday for the Samsung Diamond League meeting, taking the stadium's capacity to 12,500.

Some 80 staff will be relocating from their current base on the Blythe Valley Business Park.

The UK Athletics move to a new suite of offices formed part of the business plan for the stadium's £12.5 million ($20.2 million) grandstand.

Alexander Stadium will also be a temporary home for the United States Olympic team next year as their preparation base for the London 2012 Games.

City Council Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney told the Birmingham Post that this confirmed Alexander Stadium as the centre of athletics in the UK.

Referring to the Diamond League meeting, Mullaney said: "It was a sell-out and it was broadcast live on BBC2 and throughout Europe and America.

"We also have UK Athletics moving into their headquarters in the new stand in October.

"This all reinforces the view that Alexander Stadium is the UK home of athletics."

But Mullaney, quizzed by members of the Leisure, Sport and Culture Scrutiny Committee, said that the stadium must now start to earn more money and suggested that it could be a good home for Aston Villa Reserves or Birmingham City Ladies FC.

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