The site chosen had a number of existing buildings on it: A temperance hall was located on the corner of Little Malop Street and Aitchison Place.

This distinctive conservative classical building with Barrabool freestone facade, ornate central parapet entablature supported on Tuscan Doric pilasters and matching entrance portal was designed by an unknown architect for the Geelong Total Abstinence Society.

The steeple was dismantled in 1913, and the present row of two-storey shops along Ryrie Street were built, although the main body of the church still exists today as part of the performing arts centre.

][citation needed] Some of its venues have been temporarily closed during a redevelopment of the Little Malop Street building, with the project funded to the tune of A$140 million, and scheduled to be completed in late 2023.

The second theatre was named after Blakistons, a local transport company; the main foyer after Shell; and the courtyard after Alcoa.

[9] Other venues include: Costa Hall is located on Gheringhap Street and is part of the Deakin University's Waterfront Campus.

It has hosted a variety of live entertainment including the orchestra, comedy acts, circus arts and musical theatre.

[10] "Connecting with culture & creativity" is the youth arts program for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

There are also Grants & Supports Initiative available [12] Roles beyond the trust include administration, marketing, human resources, operational and hospitality teams within the entertainment sector.

In June 2021, it was reported that Geelong Arts Centre had 88 total employees or 33 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE).