THE iconic Putt-Putt in Melrose Park looks set to close its doors after Parramatta Council sold the site for $130 million to Chinese property developers.

The sale of the 4.8 hectare site on the corner of Victoria and Wharf Roads to Aqualand Australia was the biggest in Western Sydney this year.

More than 200 people lamented the news, which was revealed on the Northern District Times Facebook page, as the second generation family business scrambles to find a new location.

media_camera Putt-Putt will make way for high rise development. media_camera The course has called the area home for 45 years.

media_camera The $130million sale of the site is the biggest for western Sydney this year.

Seven years ago, a match made in heaven was cemented as Michelle and Michael Cronin bonded on their first date at the venue, which had entertained the community for 45 years.

The Ermington couple, now married with baby Amy, said they were disappointed they would not be able to take Amy there for a birthday when she is older.

“It is such an icon,” said Mrs Cronin.

“I hope they find another location near here.”

media_camera A Putt Putt course which has called the area home for 45 years will be forced to move to make way for a new apartment development.

Manger Kim Whybro said multiple romances had blossomed at the venue, with five marriage proposals in the decade she had worked there.

“We are starting to get inquiries from the community about what’s happening, I think people realise the value of what we do,’’ Ms Whybro said.

She challenged the developer to be the “hero” and keep the facility open for the community.

media_camera Allan Cox set the world record for the most miniature gold holes in one in 24 hours at the Putt Putt in Melrose Park.

Allan Cox set the world record there in 2012 for the most miniature golf holes-in-one in 24 hours.

He got 1516 holes in one and raised more than $9000 for the Westmead Children’s Hospital.

“No one is more shattered over the news than me,” he said.

“I have played there for 25 years.

“There would be no one on the planet who has spent more time on that course than me.”

media_camera Characters such as Garfield and Pinoccio are found throughout the course. media_camera No more mini-golf in Melroe Park after the sale of the 4.8ha site.

Parramatta Mayor John Chedid described the site as “surplus to community needs’’.

“The sale provides a financial windfall for our community and will deliver high quality new housing in a sought-after location,” Mr Chedid said.

The developers would be able to legally build up to 940 units on the site.

It is understood there were 11 parties interested in the site and Parramatta chief executive officer Greg Dyer said the rezoning for apartments had already gone through.

“The sale will allow us to invest in new assets that will better meet future community needs. It’s about maximising the value of our assets for the benefit of our ratepayers and residents.

Putt Putt at melrose Park, near Ermington.

Putt-Putt has about 120 bookings a day during school holidays, schools use the facility for sporting days and even Ronald McDonald House hold regular events for families of children who have cancer.

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