A protest rally took place in Tbilisi against the construction of skyscrapers on the grounds of the Expo Georgia exhibition center. Rally participants oppose plans to build six high-rise residential blocks, a hotel, and a shopping center within the exhibition grounds, Netgazeti reports.
The protesters demanded an immediate suspension of building permits and other administrative procedures regarding the site until full-scale public hearings are conducted, as well as the development of effective mechanisms to ensure the participation of urban experts and residents in all decision-making that fundamentally alters Tbilisi’s urban environment.
Resan Kikava, General Director of Expo Georgia, came out to speak to the gathered crowd. He stated that he considers the project planned for the exhibition center’s territory to be fully justified.
“I came here as someone who cares deeply about this space, and I believe we are on the same side. I didn’t come for a dialogue; I have no special agenda or assignment. I came as a citizen and as the head of Expo Georgia. I came with my team to listen to the residents’ demands and form my own stance. <…> I have my arguments: both as a citizen and as the head of Expo Georgia, I consider this project justified. Naturally, opinions may differ,” Kikava stated.
A major development project is underway on the Expo Georgia grounds at 118 Tsereteli Avenue: six residential buildings standing at 12, 20, and 30 stories, a hotel, and a shopping complex (City Mall Expo).
The multifunctional complex project, which includes high-rises and towers, is being developed by Cityzen Development, founded by Mindia Sabanadze. Sabanadze is a Georgian businessman holding dual Russian citizenship and the owner of the IG Development holding company, whose portfolio includes the City Mall Saburtalo and City Mall Gldani shopping centers, as well as the City Tower business center.
According to Netgazeti, Sabanadze has also been a financial backer of the ruling Georgian Dream party, donating 100,000 lari in 2016–2017. Prior to that, in 2012, the entrepreneur contributed funds to the opposition United National Movement.
Mindia Sabanadze asserts that the large-scale development project will save and modernize the Expo Georgia space.
Architects and urban planners who established the Save Expo movement to protect the historic zone categorically disagree with this stance, Netgazeti writes.
According to experts, the project will strip Tbilisi of a unique ensemble, wiping out decades of history and urban memory to serve the developer’s private commercial interests. Specialists emphasize that Expo Georgia is an open public space, not a site for commercial high-density development.
“A project of such scale, capable of substantially transforming the historic fabric of the city, should not be dictated solely by the developer’s will. City Hall is obligated to safeguard public interests! Public hearings involving local residents, industry experts, and all interested citizens are imperative. The public’s voice must be taken into account before any final ruling is issued,” the Save Expo movement emphasized.