A NEW state-of-the-art building at a girls school which will enhance opportunities for students has been opened by a successful former pupil.

Anne Pitcher, managing director of Selfridges and a former pupil at St Albans High School, conducted the opening ceremony of its new art and technology block.

Former pupils, staff and members of the local community were given a tour of the new building, known as the Jubilee Centre, and saw lessons in action.

Ms Pitcher recalled how she had taken art lessons in a room at the top of a building with very little light and enjoyed ‘sewing’ lessons with not a machine in sight.

Among the guests were the Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Eileen Harris, and the newly-appointed High Sheriff of Herts, Fiona Trenchard.

The Mayor commented on the impressive design of the building which combines traditional and modern design and includes a rotunda housing a Starbucks-style café.

The new development will provide opportunities for the girls to develop their skills in a wide range of fields including music, drama, art, and design and technology.