BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A new upscale indoor golf, bar and restaurant space was approved to open on Route 22 in Bridgewater.
The Bridgewater Township Planning Board unanimously approved the Clubhouse of Somerset County LLC’s application on Tuesday to convert the former Safavieh building at 1213 Route 22 West, which closed in September.
“I’m excited about this application because it involves the adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building that, as many of you kno,w has struggled for years to attract and retain a viable tenant,” said Michael Silbert (an attorney with DiFrancesco Bateman, who is representing The Clubhouse). “And rather than allowing the structure to continue to sit underutilized, this proposal represents an opportunity to breathe new life into the property through a modern, high-quality, low-impact use that we believe fits perfectly within the surrounding commercial corridor.”
The applicant is proposing changes predominantly to the interior space. The interior changes include the construction of a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, installation of 12 golf simulator suites (10 on the first floor and two VIP suites on the second floor), multiple bar and dining areas, casual lounges, a membership-only lounge, private event rooms, a conference room, and storage space.
For the exterior, the applicant is proposing adding a rear patio area intended for socializing, golf-related activities, and other complementary uses, along with reconfiguration and slight expansion of the existing parking lot to increase capacity from 108 to 140 spaces, including EV parking spaces and supporting infrastructure.
“The proposed use is a blend of indoor recreational uses as well as restaurant uses. The concept is to… provide for a number of golf simulator units, lounge space, bar space, dining areas, and there is the opportunity to host corporate events, birthday parties, as well as somebody coming there who wants to work on their golf game,” said Silbert.
The new space would be called “The Clubhouse,” which has an exisiting location in Fairfield.
Silbert said the applicant felt Bridgewater “has the perfect demographic mix for this type of use as young professionals, families, and corporate users who value high-end community-oriented recreation and hospitality.”
All of the Planning Board members expressed their support for the application.
“I think this is a very promising business,” said Board member Henry Wang. “Because for many years the site has not been a booming buisness except for a couple furniture stores.”
Boardmember Sonja Chartowich said she “can already see booking several events here. So I’m very excited about it for various organizations that I am apart of.”
Councilman and Liasion to the Planing Board Michael Kirsh said “you already stimulated interest in the community… people are talking about this in a positive way. Happy to support it. Welcome to Bridgewater and I wish you tremendous luck.”
“What I really appreciate is that it is a different business than what’s been there in the past,” said Board member Ashley Sikora. “Over the years driving past and seeing different signs over and over again. I think possibly those businesses were just not meant for that area, that location. But I think we have an opportunity here for you.”
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