Jamie Oliver and Poggenpohl design Dubai kitchens

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl have designed a range of domestic kitchens together, for Dubai-based property developer Leisurecorp.

Oliver was ‘sought out and given a blank slate to work with’ on the project, says a Leisurecorp spokesman.

Appointed eight months ago, the TV chef is said to have worked closely with Poggenpohl for four months in a consulting role, prior to the unveiling of plans in Dubai last night. Like Oliver, Poggenpohl was chosen for the project and didn’t pitch.

The kitchens will be fitted in the residential neighbourhood of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, and are expected to be ready by 2011.

Each kitchen will be fitted with Miele appliances and will feature a central island with touch-to-open drawers, which will use Poggenpohl’s Motion Drive mechanism. A breakfast unit with pull-out shelf for a hidden toaster and kettle and a separate storage pull-out unit made from beech will feature as standard.

Oliver is set to open two ‘barbeque and Italian-themed’ restaurants on the Jumeirah Golf Estates site. Set to open in 2011, these will also be designed with Poggenpohl for Leisurecorp.