Residents aren't too happy about plans to get rid of the "Berkeley Prawn" but they're pleased work has started on the refurbishment of Berkeley Community Hall and Senior Citizens Centre.

Fences went up around the Winnima Way building earlier this month in preparation for the works, which include an extensive refurbishment of the centre's interior, upgrade of building services and some exterior elements.

The project includes reconfiguring the hall into a multipurpose space, featuring three offices and two meeting rooms.

Outside, a new children's play area and a garden will be built and the car park replaced. It's estimated the works will be finished by December.

Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre co-ordinator Maria Di Carlo recently told the Advertiser the staff and the community it serves will be the big winners of the planned refurbishment.

Mrs Di Carlo said moving into new premises would provide more flexibility to the centre's expanding clientele.

"Our centre is too small. Moving into the bigger premises when it is refurbished will be great for us," she said.

"We are really looking forward to it. We will have more space for our staff and we can run more programs for our clients."

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the Berkeley community had welcomed the works.

"Once this refurbishment is finished, the hall and senior citizens centre will have a much more flexible arrangement and be able to accommodate a diverse range of purposes - everything from mum's groups, to youth clubs and seniors activities," Cr Bradbery said.

The council has accepted a tender for the $2.2 million refurbishment including demolishing the neighbourhood centre which has cracks in its walls, a sagging roof and is subsiding.