It was formed as a private residential development in the 1970s on land formerly occupied by market-gardens on the left (eastern) bank of the Hutt River.

Given that New Zealand started regular public television-broadcasting for the first time in 1960, and instituted networked television in 1969 with only a single (and state-owned) channel available to viewers, the sole provider of television-broadcasting acquired a monopoly position of immense influence within the New Zealand mass media, and the name "Avalon" summarised and expressed that clout for many years.

Avalon also became the focus of New Zealand film-production - through and building on the National Film Unit, which Peter Jackson bought in the late 1990s and incorporated into his Park Road Post facility.

Avalon produced television-shows such as Good Morning and the New Zealand Lotteries Commission's live Lotto draw.

When the tower was first built it dominated the skyline in Lower Hutt City, it is still the tallest building in Avalon.

[14][15][need quotation to verify] In 2017 the studio facilities were used for filming of the Scarlett Johansson starrer Ghost in the Shell.