Located in York, England, it is based in the converted and extended, Grade I listed medieval church of St Margaret, Walmgate.

It was created, with the aid of a grant from the National Lottery and partnership money from organisations such as English Heritage.

[3] The buildings of the Centre include a performance space (in the former church) and facilities for conferences and other events and recordings.

The church building, which had been redundant for some years, was upgraded to meet the needs of varying types and size of performance as well as many alternative uses such as teaching, conferences and exhibitions.

During the rest of the year, the Foundation promotes an educational programme based at the National Centre: events include seminars, workshops and master classes.