More than $2 million in funding has been provided by the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to the venue which will host indoor soccer, netball and cricket.

But president of the Queanbeyan Basketball Association Jan Browne said the lack of a sprung floor will mean high-impact sports such as basketball and squash cannot be played at the new centre.

Browne is desperate for a new facility because the current basketball stadium at Karabar has a leaking roof.

She said its stretched resources have been called upon to also host indoor Aussie Rules training sessions, netball and boot camps among other activities.

“We have so many people who use our stadium and we try to cater for everyone,” she said.

“But we need more space so we’re desperate for a new venue.

“I got worried at a recent State League basketball game when it rained – we have a leaking roof which will cost $120,000 to fix.”

Queanbeyan Leagues Club squash president Jeremy Keen has been forced to move his club to Woden for the last two years due to the lack of an adequate home base in Queanbeyan.

Keen is trying to stay optimistic despite the fact no squash will be played at the Taylor Park indoor building.

“Squash was never intended but maybe we’ll get looked at in the future,” he said.

“I just feel like this new facility has received so much good publicity when really it’s just a glorified shed with a carpet in it.”

Queanbeyan City Council mayor Tim Overall said he is looking at a future for basketball and squash.

“Council has examined the site in the vicinity of the existing basketball stadium and looked at extending the facility or creating a new one,” he said.

“However, this was not possible because of the lack of space available to residents and the unsuitability of the site in terms of landfill.

“The end result is we’ll consider basketball in any sports facility and the only available land in the near future for this will be at Jerrabomberra Valley.”

Cr Overall said he has been busy including squash in these plans.

“Council is seeking funding for $300,000 for community consultation and design work for the Jerrabomberra Valley complex and we’ll talk to the squash club,” he said.

“I will also attend a seminar on the construction of demountable squash courts at the upcoming Australian Open titles in Canberra which I’m interested in.”