A Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Northbourne Flats has been submitted to ACTPLA for consideration, taking the significant project a step closer, ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch said today.

Earlier this year Ms Burch announced that John Wardle Architects had won a design competition for the redevelopment of the Northbourne Flats in Braddon and Turner. The winning design allows for almost 900 units, more than triple the existing 245 units on the site.

Ms Burch said the Master Plan for the precinct included some changes from the winning design, including an extension of Henty Street to complete the street edge to Haige Park, and an increase in the number of two bedroom apartments.

"This is an important milestone in a major infrastructure project for the ACT Government that will see a substantial increase in housing stock in the Inner North, and provide a fitting gateway for the entry to our city," Ms Burch said.

"The qualities of the winning scheme have been enhanced in this Master Plan, such as high quality urban design, and the retention of some of the existing units to preserve the heritage values as well as some of the existing trees.

"The incorporation of gardens, high quality open spaces and a range of sustainability outcomes will feature prominently in this redevelopment."

The Master Plan will be the basis for the first and subsequent stages of the redevelopment of this significant site. The redevelopment will naturally go through the development assessment process.

"The first Development Application for stage one is expected to be submitted next month, which will clear the way for the start of the sale of the first development package."

Ms Burch said Housing ACT will continue to consult with the public housing tenants of Northbourne Flats as the redevelopment progresses.

"I would like to make clear that they will remain public housing tenants, and that at least 10 per cent of the units will be retained as public housing. Proceeds from the redevelopment will be reinvested in social housing stock to ensure there is no net reduction across the ACT in public housing dwellings.

"This consultation will continue to make sure that the needs of tenants and the broader community are taken into account as we progress with this important project for our city."