SINGAPORE - A new $4 million home for Singapore's track and field fraternity was officially launched on Saturday.

The former Kallang Practice Track has been refurbished with a new International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Grade 1 synthetic track, a strength and conditioning gym and massage facility, as well as biometric sensors at the long and triple jump areas.

It will now be called the Home of Athletics and will available for both the country's elite athletes as well as for the general public.

Said Tang Weng Fei, president of the re-branded Singapore Athletics (formerly known as Singapore Athletics Association): "We are excited to start a new chapter as we continue to strive for excellence."

The new premises will stage about 80 per cent of local events, beginning with the 77th Singapore Open Track and Field Championships on March 28-29.

Added Sport Singapore chief executive officer Lim Teck Yin: "We would like to see more people participating across all age groups for their lifetime. We would like to see more recreational athletes side by side with our elite squads, competing and drawing inspiration from one another."