ACT Corrective Services in November will move the prisoners to one of the new accommodation units, which will provide 57 beds, and expects to build two kitchens and a garden there in planned renovations.

The ACT government considered reopening the old Symonston periodic detention centre for female prisoners as women's accommodation at the prison overflowed.

Corrections minister Shane Rattenbury said while Symonston remained a usable facility, the new accommodation was more modern and light for detainees than the periodic detention centre.

He described the solution to the overflow as "a tetris move", saying new kitchens would keep them self-sufficient and encourage teamwork.

Female prisoner numbers increased 52 per cent between December 2016 and May this year, a jump that Mr Rattenbury said challenged the government to come up with new solutions.

"It has required us to have a think about what we can do to make sure the females are accommodated appropriately," he said.

"We're still above the numbers we have for dedicated female space.

"We can't just hope numbers will fall again, we need to find a more sustainable solution."

While the Alexander Maconochie Centre grew its space in recent years for male prisoners, female detainee numbers had been stable and there was no sign of an imminent upswing, Mr Rattenbury said.

The prison, which has dedicated accommodation for 29 female prisoners, has had to split its group of 34 across The Cottage and AMC's management unit.

"It's also meant we haven't had use of the management unit as a disciplinary tool within the AMC where it is needed at times for male detainees who have been involved in violence," Mr Rattenbury said.

"From the point of view of having the women together and ensuring we have the full capabilities of the AMC, we decided to do something that provided a longer term solution."

The ACT government said female detainees will remain separate from male prisoners, and will have better access to health programs, education, employment and recreation.

Mr Rattenbury said the decision was made in consultation with oversight agencies about human rights.

"It's definitely an improvement for those in the management unit at the moment because there are issues with access to outdoor space and moving them around," Mr Rattenbury said.

"This will put the women closer to recreational facilities, there is within the new unit space for activities and services to be delivered, and it puts them closer to the new bakery."