ONE of Britain’s greatest Olympians opened a multi-million pound new spa development yesterday.

Four-time gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent was on hand to unveil the luxury facility at Stanley House Hotel, Mellor.

It is just a part of a major investment project at the hotel that includes the construction of 18 new bedrooms and an extension to the popular Mr Fred’s bar and brasserie, both opened in the summer.

Stanley House’ spa advisers included Howard Spa Consulting, responsible for three of Harpers & Queen’s World’s 100 best spas and which serves hotels including London’s Dorchester, Coral Reef Club Barbados and Armani spas across the globe.

Also involved were designers Trevillion Interiors, specialists in design and contract furnishing, whose portfolio includes Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxford and Beach Plaza Bahrain.

The spa boasts treatment rooms, salt and aroma steam rooms, Finnish sauna, experience showers and an ice fountain, hydrotherapy pool, relaxation lounge and a gym and Pilates studio.

Bosses said the development was of ‘world class resort standard’. The project has been led by Nelson-based Barnfield Construction.

James Webber, contracts manager at Barnfield, said: “We’ve worked closely with Stanley House to ensure that the new building complements the existing hotel, while bringing all the modern sophistications of a 21st century construction. It will add a further touch of finesse to this rural location.”

Stanley House Hotel is owned by the family of the late Fred Walker, who died in March.

Hotel director Simon Glassbrook said: “If Fred was here today he would be very proud.”

Sir Matthew said he was very impressed with the new facilities. He said: “ It’s lovely. It is obvious that this is a place that is trying to be the best and it has been completed to a very high standard.”