News
The Norman Clubhouse
1 January 2009
Back to ArchiveWorld-Class Facility Will Be a Centrepiece of Elegance and Style
Spread over seven hectares of beautiful landscape, the Norman Clubhouse lies at the heart of the Fire and Earth courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates. With its Mediterranean-influenced design, the building has both elegance and style in abundance. That is, at least in design. While the work is ongoing, the building’s structure is almost complete and the build-out is on the fast track to being ready in time for an opening in September, allowing for two months of polishing before it opens its doors to the golf world for the Dubai World Championship.
Tim Prescott, Director of Development for Leisurecorp, and the man responsible for getting those doors open, has watched the project grow from conception, having been involved with Jumeirah Golf Estates since 2004.
“When Jumeirah Golf Estates was conceived, it was always going to be one of the top golf course developments of our time. Having been involved in development in Dubai for years, I know that this city does not do anything by half! The Fire and Earth courses alone are extraordinary offerings, and such offerings need a centrepiece which must be more than your average clubhouse—it must be a destination unto itself. So whilst we will cater to the golfers and our members, we are also ensuring we create a leisure attraction which non-golfers will visit.”
As such, the 131,000 square foot Norman Clubhouse has been created to cater to all the needs of golfers and other sportspeople alike with first-class sports and leisure facilities including a fully-equipped gymnasium, tennis academy, yoga and Pilates studio, pool and members-only spa. But what about after play, or for those less interested in sports among us?
“Looking at the plans day by day, I still cannot believe how many restaurant and bar options we are creating. There will be numerous options for semi-formal and casual dining and entertaining, sports bars, and juice and snack bars to service the swimming and leisure pools. The list goes on,” Prescott continues. “Last year, we announced that Jamie Oliver will create his first-ever restaurant in the Middle East here—that alone will be an attraction in its own right.”
In addition, the lower level will house a private dining room as well as storage for members’ private wine collections. And up above? The rooftop bar and barbeque will offer stunning views over the course—perhaps the perfect place to watch the finishing of a round at the end of the day.
But with November just around the corner, just how is the development progressing?
“Last year was very successful for this particular project. We have watched it move up and out of the ground very quickly. The focus over the next few months will be in forging the interiors to create a masterpiece that will be on show and fully functional in time for November.”
There is no doubt that the golf talent on show during the Dubai World Championship will be exceptional, and there’s no doubt that the Norman Clubhouse, which is truly one of a kind, will be a hive of activity during this spectacular, season-ending event. Another icon of Jumeirah Golf Estates has been created!
