The committee behind the $5 million Balclutha Recreation Centre project had been planning to raise $800,000 from the public for the fitting-out, but that target is now $1.1 million.
The extra money is needed to provide a better floor surface for a variety of uses.
The committee also decided this week to put on hold plans to include squash courts in the centre.
What sort of surface the centre should have was discussed at a Rec Centre planning meeting on Monday night, attended by about 30 "stakeholders", committee spokeswoman Irene Mosley said.
The preferred surface would cost $300,000 more than the budgeted figure.
Project manager John Heenan described the flooring options, including expected lifespan and replacement costs.
The preferred surface would accommodate everything from netball to cricket, horses and even vehicles, with a lifespan of at least 25 years.
Those present at the meeting indicated they would like the superior surface, Mrs Mosley said.
The goal now was to raise more than $800,000, see what the public response was to the fundraising campaign then decide in February which surface could be afforded.
If the committee was not successful in raising the extra money, it would stick with the surface originally budgeted for, she said.
About $180,000 saved by deferring the squash courts would be put towards the floor surface.
