The building will reopen to the public in early May 2021 once work is complete.

Shoalhaven City Council interim director for city lifestyles Jane Lewis said the impacts of COVID-19 on national and international touring provided council an opportunity to replace the cladding and give the centre a refresh.

"During that time we will be replacing the red Alucobond cladding on the outside and inside of the building as well as a number of other works including a new-look encore cafe and some new foyer furniture," she said.

"At the same time we are going to be looking at our audio vision (sound lighting systems) and upgrade those so they are compatible with the current touring market.

"The centre is 12 years old now so it's very timely."

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Council is also looking to upgrade the back loading dock and add a canopy, it opens the possibility of the area doubling as an outdoor stage.

The replacement product of the red cladding is an Australian made non-combustible solid aluminium sheeting called Olamclad which fully complies with the Building Code of Australia.

The new cladding will be colour matched to the existing scheme of the building and the look of the existing panelling will be replicated where possible.

Council will also be replacing select panels of the grey Kingspan cladding.

"We will only be replacing parts of the grey cladding at this stage in selected areas particularly where it is publicly accessible and around the fire exits," Ms Lewis said.

"That material is of a lesser risk than the Alucobond and is not a banned product so there are a number of mitigation strategies we've got in place to address any issues.

"All works are in accordance with a specialist Fire Safety Engineer's advice "

Shoalhaven City Council said it would not disclose the cost of works at this stage.

"At this point, I believe it would be unwise to disclose anticipated costs as we are still going through the tender process of appointing the selected builder and contractors for certain aspects of the works."

Councillors have been briefed on the works and have approved funds in the 2020/21 budget.

"They are aware of the requirements that need to be undertaken and have been supportive of the works and identified funding in their 2020/21 budget.

"Safety is the priority here, we know the work needs to be done so there is a commitment there to allow us to go ahead."

While the works take place, council will be relocating the Visitor Information Centre services to the Nowra Administration Centre, adjacent to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

"It will still be business as usual just in an alternate location.

"The Visitor Information Centre and box office will be relocating into the Nowra Administration Centre foyer and they will be set up and ready to go for the beginning of December.

"The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Encore Cafe is going to have a pop-up cafe in the front of the council foyer, it will be something that is small but purpose built and when we return to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre it will be able to be used as portable bar space."

Other staff will be relocated into council offices where a meeting room has been converted to office space.

Council will be contacting local property owners to advise them of the works, although it expects there to be a minimal impact on neighbours and business.