News of a $40,000 state government grant for the City of Launceston to construct a new storage building at the complex has been welcomed by key players.

Northern Tasmanian Junior Sports Association president, Dale Rigby, said current facilities were “at capacity” with softball, cricket and soccer equipment kept in storage containers.

“We made do with what we have,” he said.

“To receive a new storage facility will be really beneficial to us though, especially with how much we are growing.”

The 64.4 square metre building will be used by the Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association, the Northern Tasmanian Softball Association and Launceston City Council ground maintenance staff.

Mayor Albert van Zetten said the council was pleased to be able to support the regional facility.

“Soccer is obviously something that’s very popular and it’s great to see young people getting involved in sport, we love to see that so we’re happy to support it,” he said.

“As it continues to grow, there is more pressure on the facility so what we need is a secure facility, where they can store their equipment. 

“The council will also benefit by being able to store some ground maintenance equipment on site."

Alderman van Zetten said the council would continue to push for more upgrades to the facility in the future, including an artificial surface.

“It’s a great facility and we are so blessed to have it in our city, a lot of people around the state are envious,” he said.

“The use has just been phenomenal and we will definitely need more help in the future from the state government and federal government.”

The funding grant has been made available through the state government’s Community Infrastructure Fund.

Bass Liberal MHA Sarah Courtney said being able to support local community events and organisations was “really important” to the state government.

“In particular organisations such as this that are run by volunteers …  [the new building] will have enough storage capacity to make a real difference to these sports and make the life of volunteers and coaches just a little easier,” she said.