The owner of the Canberra Centre, QIC, continues to shrug off time frames for developing the rest of the mixed-use precinct at a car park in Cooyong Street in the city.
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QIC's latest extension expires in September, but it has applied for another holding lease and, according to the ACT Environment and Planning Department, has until next July before its development approval expires.
Canberra property sources said QIC was preparing to develop the site, and they were aware of speculation surrounding a new supermarket being among the proposed tenants but did not know of any commitments.
One said the Queensland government-owned corporation would need precommitments before making a start if apartments or offices were planned for the development.
''They can't fill their existing space if you walk around the mall,'' one said.
Woolworths would not comment on speculation that it would open a full-line supermarket in the new development, but said it was always looking for opportunities.
The ACT government asked for a small business impact study in 2011, which identified an undersupply of homewares and full-line supermarkets. Consultants said the city risked losing market share to other town centres if QIC's latest development did not go ahead.
The advice contradicts criticism among independent traders who say the mall is sucking the life out of neighbouring shops.
QIC has said its latest development would deliver a new master-planned, mixed-use precinct made up of commercial, residential and retail space that complements the neighbouring Canberra Centre.
The proposed section 96 development includes a nine-storey office tower comprising 41,500 square metres of A-grade commercial space; an 11-storey residential tower with 300 apartments; 12,600 square metres of retail area; and car parking.
''This is an opportunity to develop the site to its full potential and deliver integrated, vibrant and sustainable office, retail, leisure and residential living in Canberra City,'' QIC said in a statement.
''The proposed precinct has been designed to contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Canberra City, in line with the ACT Government’s vision for the City.''
In 2011, then planning minister Simon Corbell said Canberra's cooling residential market was no excuse for QIC to delay the project.
"We want to see the residential component which was part of the condition of sale delivered for that car park site,'' Mr Corbell said.
