Final approval has been given for the redevelopment of the Ironmonger Row Baths in Islington, London.

The Grade II-listed Turkish Baths, pool, gym and laundry complex will be given a £16m revamp by Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities.

Work on the building, which dates from the 1930s, will begin in May and includes improving the 30m swimming pool's heating, plumbing, ventilation and efficiency, and building a new bigger training pool.

The "Turkish baths" will also be restored and refurbished and the existing spa area will be expanded.

There will also be a new, larger health club with a new gym and two new exercise studios.

A rather quirky detail will be that the new complex will continue to offer laundry facilities, as it has since it opened in 1931. This decision was made in response to feedback from local residents.

Planning permission was granted for the revamp earlier this year, and now listed building consent has been agreed by the Government.

The centre will close in May so the work can begin and reopen in May 2012 in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The project is being funded with more than £12m investment from Islington Council and £3.7m investment from EC1 New Deal for Communities.

Kirby Swales, chief executive for EC1 New Deal for Communities, said: "What's significant is the plans ensure the Baths remain an asset for the local community.

"Residents were particularly keen for us to retain the laundry and it is an important part of the new design.

"Along with the brighter more welcoming reception area, vastly improved gym, exercise studios and pool, it will make Ironmonger Row Baths an inviting place to meet up, get fit and stay healthy."