Sporting hero Ellie Simmonds was guest of honour at a swimming gala to celebrate the £16.5m transformation of Islington's much-loved Ironmonger Row Baths.

Ellie, who won two Gold medals at London 2012 Paralympic Games and two at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, joined the Mayor of Islington to officially opened the Baths, near Old Street, EC1.

She also met young people taking part in a celebratory swimming gala to mark the end of a huge refurbishment.

The work includes:

* full restoration of the main pool, with improved water circulation and healthier swimming environment * a new training pool with moveable floor, to improve access for learners and disabled people

* work to make the 1930s building fully accessible and welcoming for disabled people * a new exercise studio, greatly enlarged gym and cardio zone

* restoration of the historic Turkish Baths, and new expanded spa area * modern, expanded changing rooms for swimmers and gym-goers

* careful refurbishment of the historic Grade II-listed building * new public laundry for local community

Ironmonger Row Baths fully reopened to the general public on Saturday 24 November, with a special weekend of community events including "swim for £1", and introductory offers for the Turkish Baths and spa.

Ellie Simmonds said: "It was brilliant to see so many young swimmers at Ironmonger Row Baths, in a pool which will help to inspire a new generation, in the spirit of this year's Games.

"Ironmonger Row Baths is a wonderful, modern sports centre and it's great the building is fully accessible for disabled people."

Cllr Janet Burgess, Islington Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "We're on the side of residents and want to help residents enjoy healthy, active lives.

"The new-look Ironmonger Row Baths is an exceptional place for residents to swim, exercise and relax, and a lasting legacy of this Olympic year.

"Ironmonger Row Baths is for all, whether young or old, fit or less active, and is fully accessible for disabled people.

"It was wonderful to have Ellie Simmonds as guest of honour, and for young Islington swimmers to have the chance to meet a true sporting hero."

Ironmonger Row Baths is operated by GLL, who have a strong track record within the sports and leisure industry, running over 100 facilities, mostly in London, under the Better brand.

The newly opened Baths have also brought job opportunities for local people, with so far 18 residents securing work after a joint recruitment drive by GLL and the council.

Gary Dark, GLL Partnership Manager for Islington, said: "GLL is delighted to manage this historic facility. We're committed to ensuring it remains very much at the heart of the community, offering a comprehensive range of sports and leisure facilities. We hope all local residents come and see the transformation for themselves.

"A huge makeover really has taken place. Ironmonger Row offers something for everyone from the serious club swimmer, to disabled users, community groups, someone looking to workout or enjoy a group exercise class, or simply to relax and be pampered in our historic Turkish Baths, and newly expanded spa."

Ironmonger Row Baths first opened in 1931, and the swimming pool and Turkish Baths opened seven years later. After more than 70 years of wear and tear, the much-loved building had started to show its age, and in 2010 work started on a major refurbishment funded by Islington Council and the now-defunct EC1 New Deal for Communities.