A victim of escalating construction costs, this fifth among Safra's clubhouses for national servicemen and their families costs $41 million even after downsizing, about a third more than the original estimate of $30 million. Its development committee chairman Johnny Tan said his team lowered the height and size of the building and picked 'relatively cheaper materials' as a way of managing cost.

The 2ha, four-storey clubhouse, coming after those in Yishun, Tampines, Mount Faber and Toa Payoh, is a stone's throw from Boon Lay MRT station. Mr Tan noted that the flurry of construction across the island had raised steel and sand prices.

Safra's chief executive Edward Leong gave the assurance that the cutback will not affect members' enjoyment of the facilities.

The clubhouse is home to one of the largest indoor playgrounds here. Slides rise three storeys high, and riders can either climb to the top or take a lift. The entire vertical playground takes up 17,000 sq ft. There is also a children's gym, a Safra club first. Other facilities include a wine lounge, a pool, a cue-sports centre, fruit machines and karaoke rooms.

With the clubhouse's opening, 35-year-old Safra continues its drive to attract more members.

It picked up more than 13,500 new members from January to April, nearly double the number over the same period last year. Safra expects the Jurong clubhouse to bring in about 6,000 more members to join its 200,000-strong family.

Jurong East resident Alan Choong, 20, who last visited a Safra club a year ago, finds the idea of a clubhouse at his doorstep appealing. He said: 'Now I can just take a five-minute train ride to swim or play pool with my friends.'

The new clubhouse will hold an open house on the weekend of May 30 and 31.

jermync@sph.com.sg