Rose Bruford College has launched a year-round new performance and training venue in Edinburgh.

The drama school has been presenting performances and workshops in the Upper Church space inside Summerhall arts centre throughout this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but has now confirmed plans to use the space outside of the summer season.

As well as performances by students, graduates and professional companies, Upper Church will play host to workshops, auditions, residencies, research and training programmes that the school says will “complement” its existing campus in Sidcup.

Principal Michael Earley said the space gave Rose Bruford “a new northern location” and “a further international dimension to the college’s portfolio of different, diverse and distinctive activity”.

He also suggested that a number of the school’s courses currently based in Sidcup could now move up to Edinburgh.

He explained: “We are looking at locating some of our MA work in Edinburgh and offering a version of our acting foundation course and a new actor-musician foundation course there.

“We have always recruited terrific students from Scotland and so offering more provision there through this space seems like a natural step.”

The flexible performance space was created in two weeks by lighting designer Peter Searle, who oversaw the installation of lighting and sound equipment, a new wooden floor, dressing rooms, and extra seating.

Training courses there will include a technical theatre summer school, as well as an existing course on international arts and festival management for Chinese students.

Both will now include the option for placements and apprenticeships with professional companies during the fringe.

Rose Bruford currently has a five-year lease on the Upper Church space, with the possibility to renew for longer.