A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between Tbilisi City Hall, the Cartu Charitable Foundation, and British consultancy firm Leisure Development Partners (LDP). The agreement pertains to the development of a themed recreational and entertainment zone in the vicinity of the Tbilisi Sea.
The memorandum was signed by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Nikoloz Chkhetiani, Director of the Cartu Foundation’s Supervisory Board, and Natalia Bakhlina, representative of Leisure Development Partners.
Under its agreement with the Cartu Foundation, the British firm will first conduct a feasibility study for the project, followed by the development of a conceptual design in the second phase.
“With the support of the Cartu Foundation, we are taking concrete steps towards creating a new recreational and entertainment space in Tbilisi. It is also gratifying that everything connected to the capital generates such enormous public interest. Tbilisi is home to many parks, several of which hold historical significance and are designated as city landmarks. What we genuinely lack is a large-scale, modern entertainment park that would not only serve as a lively hub for gathering and leisure for Tbilisi’s residents but also establish itself as a prominent landmark on the tourist map. We are talking about creating a new recreational and leisure zone adjacent to the Tbilisi Sea, where an amusement park is planned. The zone will bring together all the components of entertainment, education, and relaxation that are commonplace in similar developments around the world,” the Mayor stated.
He added that LDP is a globally recognised consultancy specialising in feasibility analysis and strategy development for the leisure and tourism industries, and that the detailed design for the recreational and entertainment space would be developed based on their research.
“I wish to express my gratitude to the Cartu Foundation and to the family of its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, for their involvement in delivering this important project for Tbilisi. The creation of a new recreational and entertainment zone near the Tbilisi Sea will support the growth of the city’s economy and tourism sector, generate new jobs, reinforce Tbilisi’s image as a modern European city, and, most importantly, create a welcoming environment where children, young people, and visitors of all ages can relax and enjoy,” Kaladze said.
Nikoloz Chkhetiani noted that, whilst the Cartu Foundation is already delivering several major greening projects in the capital, including the reforestation of the Mtatsminda hillside and the construction of Tbilisi’s Central Park, the city needs a new kind of recreational zone that combines leisure with entertainment.
“The Cartu Foundation continues to serve our country and stands alongside state institutions, including Tbilisi City Hall, in delivering the important projects that our country and capital require,” said Chkhetiani.
The representative of the British consultancy expressed confidence that the new project would bring positive change to the Georgian market.
“We are delighted to be involved in delivering this significant strategic project. I am confident that this investment will bring considerable positive changes for the people of Georgia. As consultants, our role is to manage the design team to create a suitably ambitious project and concept, one that is grounded in market realities and the work to be carried out. I believe we will be fully able to realise this important opportunity,” said Natalia Bakhlina.
The signing ceremony was attended by Tbilisi Vice-Mayor Giorgi Tkemaladze, City Council Speaker Zurab Abashidze, deputy mayors, district governors, members of the City Council and Parliament, as well as representatives of the Cartu Foundation and the British consultancy.
