Construction of the shopping centre was delayed temporarily due to damage suffered from Tropical Cyclone Justin in early 1997.

APPF said it wanted current managers Lend Lease to stay in charge and Westfield took the matter to the New South Wales Supreme Court.

A spokesman for APPF confirmed the matter had been referred for mediation, expected to start about 18 February 2008.

Westfield bought their 50% share in 2006 from Coles Myer and put itself forward as the centre's manager but this was rejected by Lend Lease.

Lend Lease's contract over Cairns Central ran out on 30 June 2008 and was, and still is, uncertain who will manage the centre.