The new Mondo track is the same as the track being laid at the Olympic Stadium in London for the 2012 Games and is the recognised international standard at other major venues around the world, including Berlin (2009 World Championships) and Beijing (2008 Olympic Games).

The existing track was laid more than 20 years ago and has needed increasing maintenance and repair work. Therefore, the track must be replaced if the stadium is to maintain its ability to host major events.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “This is the same surface being used at the Olympic Stadium in London for the 2012 games, meaning we will be able to offer excellent facilities for countries looking to train before the Games. We will also be able to offer local taxpayers easy access to the best facilities.

“As well as improving the facilities on offer at our stadium, this new track needs less maintenance work, representing a saving for local taxpayers in the coming years."

The previous Polymeric surface required significant repair works every six to seven years, at a cost of approximately £140,000 each time. The new Mondo track is non-porous and work is also being carried out to install new drainage technology alongside it.

The work is expected to last 10 weeks.