A CHINA-based developer is believed to be paying more than $100 million for what is the biggest development site put to the Melbourne market in recent years.

The offshore group is expected to be announced within weeks as the buyer of Doncaster’s massive 47 hectare Eastern Golf Course, about 15 kilometres east of town.

The 86-year old course is expected to be redeveloped into a $1 billion village of shops, offices, and apartments, after the club relocates to an as-yet-unbuilt development in about 2013.