Developers have unveiled a plan to repurpose the former Hudson’s Bay space at Woodgrove Centre that, if realised, would add an H Mart supermarket, a second food court modelled on Asian street markets and a family entertainment centre to one of Nanaimo’s largest shopping hubs.
What’s proposed for the former Hudson’s Bay site
The presentation on Sept. 10 named Central Walk as the mall owner behind the proposal. Representatives from TM Wander — operated by Grand Commercial Management — and H Mart joined Central Walk chairperson Weihong (Ruby) Liu at a press conference to outline retail and amenity plans for the space.
- H Mart: described as a grocery retailer carrying speciality Korean and broader Asian products;
- TM Wander: a marketplace concept aimed at emerging and independent food vendors, modelled on Asian night markets;
- Additional uses: a second food court, family entertainment centre and terrace/outdoor space adaptable for landscaping, dining and seasonal events.
Project representatives tied the proposal to Nanaimo’s growth, saying the city functions as a regional transportation hub and that the new retail offerings are intended to serve a larger central-Vancouver Island market.
Timing and scale
TM Wander’s project manager, Shirley Dong, said the company plans to open first in Mayfair Shopping Centre toward the end of next year and then in Woodgrove “a little bit later,” with 2028 identified as the likely timeframe for the Woodgrove opening. TM Wander’s food hall could host as many as 18 vendors, focused heavily on Asian-origin offerings and independent operators.
“TM Wander is actually a new idea, which is inspired by the Asian street market and our vision is very simple, we want to bring more happiness and joy to the people,”
Tae Kim, marketing manager with H Mart, said customers can expect speciality products from Korea and across Asia and reiterated the chain’s interest in communities that are growing. The presentation noted that exterior and parking/terrace areas could be repurposed for landscaping, leisure, performances and seasonal programming, subject to feasibility and joint planning.
Local implications and responses
City-building and economic arguments featured in commentary at the announcement. One local official — listed in the presentation as Krog — described the proposal as “a very positive announcement for the community,” arguing that revitalising empty mall space helps local tax bases, employment and wages.
Redeveloping large, vacated anchor spaces is an ongoing challenge for malls across Canada, and Nanaimo is no exception. The plan would convert a single, large retail footprint into multiple uses, aiming to diversify the mall’s draw beyond conventional chain retail and the pre-existing food court.
For residents, the proposed changes carry several practical consequences: more retail and dining variety, increased employment opportunities during construction and operation, and potential new public programming if outdoor terrace spaces are realised. Conversely, changes could shift traffic patterns and parking demand at Woodgrove Centre and raise questions about how new vendors will interact with long-established mall tenants.
| Component | Planned opening |
|---|---|
| TM Wander (Mayfair) | End of next year |
| TM Wander (Woodgrove) | Likely 2028 |
| H Mart (Woodgrove) | Planned for 2028 |
The developers framed the project as responsive to Nanaimo’s population growth and regional role, but details remain subject to planning approvals and feasibility studies. The presentation emphasised joint planning before exterior changes and terrace-area conversions could proceed.
Next steps
The proposal will need to move through municipal review processes and any required permitting. If the timeline discussed at the press conference holds, Nanaimo shoppers could see the Mayfair TM Wander site open first, followed by the Woodgrove completions in 2028.
For a city balancing growth, public space and the evolving retail landscape, the project signals a shift toward mixed-use, experience-driven retail that aims to leverage cultural food offerings to draw both local and regional customers.
