The Glen first opened in 1967 with Woolworths, Lindsay's (which later became Target), and 30 specialty shops and 600 car parking spaces.

In addition, a food court, multiple levels of undercover car parking and travelators were added.

In February 1994, Centro acquired a 50% interest in the centre at a cost of A$37 million, with the two superannuation funds retaining 25% each; the Woolworths was redeveloped at this time.

[3] A major expansion in 1996 costing A$8 million saw the number of retailers expand to 170, including the opening of the first suburban David Jones store in Melbourne, with an official launch on 22 May 1996.

[1][4] In August 1999, a new consortium, Glen Property Trust in which Centro had a 50% interest, bought out the superannuation funds' stake in the centre at a price of A$81.5 million, taking Centro's stake in the centre to 75%.