'Not crying foul': business accepts fate amid state's Newcastle Arena plans
Newcastle Supa Putt owner Craig O'Loughlin out on the course on Friday. Picture by Marina NeilIf you've lived any considerable length of time in Newcastle, you've probably sunk a golf ball or two at Newcastle. . .
Newcastle Supa Putt owner Craig O'Loughlin out on the course on Friday. Picture by Marina NeilIf you've lived any considerable length of time in Newcastle, you've probably sunk a golf ball or two at Newcastle Supa Putt. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our websiteThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaThe Broadmeadow business has been entertaining families and friends with its wacky and unpretentious 36-hole miniature golf course for more than 30 years. However, if the NSW government's long-anticipated plan to build a 12,000-seat entertainment centre on land near the corner of Turton and Griffiths roads in Broadmeadow is realised, it would spell the end for the family-run business. Other long-standing businesses affected include Urth Fitness Lambton and Go Karts Go Broadmeadow. The land that all three businesses operate on is owned by Venues NSW. Pictures by Marina NeilNewcastle Supa Putt owner Craig O'Loughlin said he held no ill feelings about the proposed redevelopment. "This is not unexpected for us, so we're not crying foul," Mr O'Loughlin said. "This has been on the radar for a few years now. "It's just a shame that there are big plans, but you can't knock them, as it'll be an amazing area. I don't think they have any plans for a putt-putt. "An artist's impression of the proposed Newcastle Arena. Picture suppliedMr O'Loughlin bought Newcastle Supa Putt in 2019 from close friend Joe Lannutti, whose family had operated the business for 20 years. Three generations of the family work at the business, including Mr O'Loughlin's mother and his 15-year-old son. The BYO venue is popular with children's birthday parties, school holiday excursions and disability groups. Mr O'Loughlin said trade was affected by the opening of Rippit Golf, also at Broadmeadow, in 2022, but it remained a popular spot on weekends and school holidays. "We still get a lot of people saying they love "this old-school one" and having a cover is a kicker for us, as not many putt-putts have a roof," he said. "There's plenty of room and people fire up the barbie and throw a few snags on and make a day of it. "Mr O'Loughlin said there were no plans to open a putt-putt golf business elsewhere. "We won't be able to relocate and outlay the capital to build one of those from scratch. Secondly, there's no land around to do it and the thing these days is you need land and a lot of parking. "Urth Fitness owner Dallas Rosekelly is excited about the Broadmeadow precinct's redevelopment and hopes to be included. However, he's cynical about the ambitious plan's short-term prospects, and expects the new entertainment centre is still five to 10 years away. Urth Fitness owner Dallas Rosekelly expects the new entertainment centre is five to 10 years away. Picture by Simone De Peak"I've been here 23 years, and this is the third proposal that's come along and not one thing's changed," Mr Rosekelly said. "It'll get developed one day, and we're in communication all the time, so hopefully we'll be part of some future new developments there. That's our plan. "I don't think it's going to happen soon if they need $500 million. "Urth Fitness's gym operates out of the former roller skate rink, next door to Supa Putt. "We'd rather plans happen sooner than later because we would rather get a new parcel of land because, I reckon, we're operating in the oldest, crappest building in Australia for a gym," Mr Rosekelly said. Mr Rosekelly also said Urth Fitness would love to "build something brand spanking new" in the redevelopment of Broadmeadow. Go Karts Go Broadmeadow owner Drew Russell declined to comment. As it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.