Westfield Woden seeks 2,000 sqm more supermarket space
Scentre's lease variation, reported in August, would lift supermarket space to 9,500 sqm. Since then David Jones has been tipped to leave.
- Source Briefing
- Read original source · Region Canberra, 14 Aug 2026
Scentre Group has applied to vary the Crown lease for Westfield Woden so that supermarket space could grow by 2,000 sqm, to no more than 9,500 sqm, Region Canberra reported on 14 August 2026. That report is almost three months old. We found no published decision on the application, but the centre’s circumstances have changed since.
What was reported in August
The application, prepared by Plan It Strategic, aims to modernise the lease and widen the uses allowed in the centre. Region Canberra listed the added uses as including offices, civic administration, recreation facilities, places of assembly, a community centre, a community theatre, schools and pedestrian plazas, alongside retail, cafes, restaurants and personal services.
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The outlet said the extra supermarket space could suit another chain such as Aldi, or possibly Harris Farm Markets, which it said is considering expanding in Canberra beyond its single Majura Park store. That is the outlet’s speculation, not a statement from either company. A Scentre spokesperson declined to say whether the application is linked to its draft Major Plan Amendment, saying it “forms part of our ongoing planning for Westfield Woden”.
What has changed since
On 4 November Region Canberra reported that David Jones was expected to close its Westfield Woden store, which opened in 1972 and covers two storeys. The retailer had not confirmed this; see our earlier report. The Urban Developer then reported that David Jones entered administration on 5 November.
The reports do not connect the lease application to the department store. But a wider use list gives the owner more room to re-let a large two-storey space if it falls vacant.
The numbers
- Supermarket space: up by 2,000 sqm, to a cap of 9,500 sqm.
- Concept master plan, first public in 2025: 17 residential towers, almost 4,000 homes, with towers up to 55 storeys.
- Stage one, 2030 to 2036: about 1,000 homes, a four-storey community hub and an indoor recreation centre.
- Redevelopment is expected to run a little over two decades from 2030.
What’s next
According to the August report, Scentre’s draft Major Plan Amendment was still being considered by the Territory Planning Authority, and if accepted it would go to public consultation. The master plan would need the current 28-storey height limit for Woden Town Centre to be raised. We found no later update. Watch for a decision on the lease variation and for whether the Woden David Jones space is re-let.
Quick answers
Did Westfield Woden seek 2,000 sqm more supermarket space in Canberra?
Scentre Group's Westfield Woden lease variation would add 2,000 sqm of supermarket space, to 9,500 sqm. David Jones, an anchor, is reported to be leaving.
Which companies are named in the Westfield Woden story?
Scentre Group is named in this story, which cites Region Canberra, 14 Aug 2026 and Region Canberra, 4 Nov 2026.
What are the key numbers for Westfield Woden?
proposed maximum supermarket space: 9,500 sqm; increase sought: +2,000 sqm; towers / homes in concept master plan: 17 / ~4,000.
On the record
Putting the two together: the August lease application widens permitted uses at Westfield Woden, and the 4 November report that David Jones may leave a two-storey anchor space shows why more flexibility could matter. The outlet has not linked the two.
Our coverage · Read our earlier story
Also reported by
- Region Canberra, 14 Aug 2026Extra supermarket on cards as Westfield Woden prepares for long-term vision
- Region Canberra, 4 Nov 2026After 54 years, David Jones expected to close Woden store soon
Filed by the AusDev Canberra Desk. How we report.