Asian supermarket, ‘recreational hub’ among plans for Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Centre

Also announced was the addition of a 30,000-square-foot H-Mart Asian grocer.

Tae Kim, H-Mart marketing manager, said H-Mart began in the 1980s as an Asian grocery store, and it will provide specialty items from across Asia which can be hard to find anywhere else.

“We try to provide our customers with Asian culture experience. So both foods and culture, that’s our main key.”

Kim said they’re hoping to open the Woodgrove H-Mart location in 2028 on the second floor of the former Hudson’s Bay location, while the first floor is planned to be turned into a TM Wander.

Described by Liu as a “Hong Kong temple style night street market,” a 24,000-square-foot TM Wander opened in Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre in Delta earlier this year, also owned by Liu.

Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog speaks during Thursdays announcment, while Woodgrove Centre owner Ruby Liu looks on. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Mayor Leonard Krog also spoke briefly at the event, saying Vancouver Island is “poised for a period of significant economic activity,” and is happy to see further redevelopment at Woodgrove.

“This reflects confidence in our local economy. It reflects confidence in this city and this community to continue to grow and develop and provide services for the growing population.”

A large LED art display is also envisioned amid the parking on site, again including a performance venue.

Structural additions and alterations to the property are subject to municipal approvals.

The ambitious plan comes amid a period of change for the shopping centre.

Liu, through her company Central Walk, purchased the Woodgrove Centre property for a reported $200 million in September 2020.

At the time, she promised activities and educational opportunities for children and seniors, wanting the shopping centre to once again be a community hub.

Little development has happened on site since, and the mall was put up for sale in spring 2025.

Challenges for the property include the loss of two major tenants, with The Bay shutting its doors around the same time the property was put on the market.

Toys ‘R’ Us followed late in the year with its closure, following ongoing financial pressure facing the retailer.

Woodgrove Centre underwent a prior expansion and renovation in 2000.

The mall’s most recent overhaul was completed in 2016, featuring a revamped food court, new washrooms, flooring and lighting among other enhancements.

Woodgrove Centre is by far the mid Island region’s most lucrative property among all property categories with its valuation recorded at $207 million as of last summer, according to BC Assessment.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Asian supermarket, ‘recreational hub’ among plans for Nanaimo’s Woodgrove Centre

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