The pool – which is operated by sports trust, Edinburgh Leisure – was closed for 12 months during the work and now boasts an improved main entrance, an extended gym.

Improvements were also made to the existing changing area while new changing areas and a sauna were added as well. Disabled access and infrastructure were also improved.

Funding for the refurbishment came from the council's Capital Programme, with an additional £700,000 in lottery money from sportscotland.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "We are delighted to have supported the refurbishment of Warrender Swim Centre.

"Quality swimming facilities play an important role in introducing people of all ages and abilities to the endless hours of enjoyment and fun swimming can provide, encouraging people to participate as part of a healthy and active lifestyle."

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s director of business development, said: "Modernising and enhancing the facilities at Warrender Swim Centre while maintaining its much-loved Victorian character was a major challenge but we are delighted with the results, as I'm sure our customers will be."

One of the first people to try out the new-look facility when it opened on 31 January was Commonwealth Games swimming hopeful Fiona Booth.

Warrender is one of five Victorian Baths under the management of leisure trust, Edinburgh Leisure. Refurbishment work has also been completed at Dalry, Leith Victoria and Portobello Swim Centres, with Glenogle to follow later in the year. Details: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Photograph: Fiona Booth tests the water at the revamped pool