Six new restaurants for Westfield Woden as part of $21 million redevelopment

Westfield Woden will undergo a $21 million redevelopment which is set to transform the town centre into a foodie destination.

Scentre Group and joint venture partner Perron Group on Tuesday announced the development, which is set to bring a new dining precinct to the shopping complex.

“We recognise there’s significant demand for an elevated dining experience within the Woden area. Our vision is to make Westfield Woden a vibrant dining destination; a place to gather, relax and enjoy with family, friends and colleagues during the day and into the evening,” said Scentre Group ACT region manager (centre experience) Malcolm Creswell.

The dining precinct will see the addition of six new restaurants. Work is currently underway on the development and it is set to open in early 2019.

Existing trees will be retained on the site, alongside an injection of greenery with the redevelopment “designed to make the most of Canberra’s climate all-year round”.

Locally commissioned Indigenous artwork and street art will adorn the external walls of the project.

Upgrades to the existing food court will also be part of the redevelopment.

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The Woden town centre has attracted criticism in recent years for being a ghost town after 5 pm. The new dining precinct is set to enliven the area with late trading hours.

New developments from a number of prominent Canberra developers, including Doma Group and Geocon, are also set to inject life into the subdued town centre.

Developments currently for sale in the town centre include Grand Central Towers, A&A, Ivy and Tarlo.

Commercial spaces will be included in some of the developments, including a microbrewery in Doma Group’s A&A.

Earlier this month, ACT Minister for City Services Chris Steel announced an “activation project” for the Woden town centre.

This includes a six-month place-making project and landscaping installation in the Woden Town Square. Community input is being sought on ways to further engage with the space.

“Activating the central Town Square is a key next step in the Woden town centre’s regeneration and supports the further development of high quality public spaces in our town centres,” Mr Steel said.