NORTH Melbourne is free to begin construction at Arden Street after the Melbourne City Council gave its support to the project this week.

Plans for the $16 million development were lodged with the council in July, detailing leading facilities for players and officials and a Learning and Life Centre in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation.

It's North's second major off-field announcement in eight days, following the seamless return of the club from private ownership to a member-governed structure.

The council's approval of the Arden Street plans will see construction start in February and North to award the building tender in the next month.

"This announcement has been a long time coming and all North Melbourne people should be extremely excited about the redevelopment getting the go-ahead," chief executive Eugene Arocca said.

"The majority of our funding is in place and it's full steam ahead thanks to our partners which include the Federal and State Governments, Melbourne City Council, AFL and the Scanlon Foundation.

"We have a number of fundraising initiatives planned during 2009 to help make up for the shortfall. However, with close to 85 percent of the funding secured we are certainly ready to proceed as soon as the builders have been appointed."

The Learning and Life Centre will provide people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, including refugees, with opportunities to develop their skills in a modern open classroom with innovative educational programs.

Adult learning groups will have access to English language lessons and sessions on health and well-being.

And North Melbourne players will also be involved in classroom activities and clinics.