The £1.8m refurbishment of Staines' Thames Club has been given the go ahead by Staines Borough Council.

A main focal point of the redesign will be a central glass atrium. The 20m swimming pool will be upgraded and the restaurant, lounge and bar facilities will be completely changed.

The health club will also receive a new 'mind body' studio and new theatre-style cycling studio as part of the revamp.

Kate Whitling, general manager, said: "To get the final rubber stamp to transform the Thames Club is fantastic news and we can't wait to get started.

"At the height of the recession I'm pleased that we are able to create 20 new full and part time jobs."

Work will begin at the end of next month and is expected to be completed by September.