Jumeirah Golf Estates awards contracts

Jumeirah Golf Estates, a residential golf development in Dubai and venue for the Dubai World Championship from 2009, yesterday announced the awarding of two key contracts for phase one of the development.

ANC Contracting has been awarded the contract to build 99 villas within the Flame Tree Ridge community and 66 villas in the Fireside community.

Al Naboodah Laing O’ Rourke Co will construct the Whispering Pines cottages and casitas, together with the Norman Clubhouse and ancillary buildings.

David Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Golf, for Leisurecorp, the owners of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “We are delighted to formally announce ANC Contracting and Al Naboodah Laing O’ Rourke Co, as key contractors for properties at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

“Both firms are now part of the team delivering not only unique world-class courses, but what will be on completion, the most desirable residential communities in Dubai.”

The first phase of villas at Whispering Pines has been excavated for laying foundations, with the underground piping work completed on schedule, it was reported.

The Norman Clubhouse, the groundbreaking for which was done in December, now has excavation for foundations in progress. The 107,000 square foot clubhouse, will be home to an ultra-modern golf academy, as well as restaurants, bars and a spa. The clubhouse’s sports centre will feature a fully-equipped gymnasium, tennis centre, lap pool and a leisure-focused lagoon.

The grading of the car park and the tennis centre is already complete and permanent construction work is due to commence soon. The clubhouse will be fully operational by November 2009 in time for the inaugural Dubai World Championship.

Meanwhile, work on the Earth and Fire golf courses is advancing, with the grassing of the Earth course to be completed by May 2008 and the Fire course by August 2008. This will provide for two full growing seasons allowing for optimal agronomic conditions and superior playing surfaces ahead of the 2009 deadline date.

“Progress is well on track to meet our deadline of November 19, 2009. On that day, Jumeirah Golf Estates will welcome 60 of the world’s greatest golfers to the inaugural Dubai World Championship,” Spencer said.

The championship will be played on either the Fire or Earth course, with the decision to be announced later.