It is the first public arts centre of its kind in Australia and sits on 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres) of gardens.

Architects for the building were Michael Bennet (of Jackson, Teece, Chesterman, Willis) in partnership with Esther and Trevor Hayter.

Hazelhurst is an initiative of the Sutherland Shire Council and was created by the bequest of Ben and Hazel Broadhurst.

The land that became Hazelhurst was secured in 1945, where a two-storey cottage, designed with the help of local architect Harry Smith, was built.

The cottage is now used as Hazelhurst's artist-in-residence and digital media studio.