International Consultants Arrive for Construction of a New Stadium in Tbilisi
Minister Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI) Irakli Karseladze and Executive Director of the Municipal Development Fund (MDF) David Tabidze met with the representatives of “The Stadium Consultancy”, a Dutch consulting company, hired for the construction of a new stadium in Tbilisi.
The consulting team was represented at the meeting by: Ben Winbrink, founder and CEO of “The Stadium Consultancy”, member of the UEFA Stadium Construction and Management Council, Director of Emirates Stadium of Club “Arsenal” for 37 years; Jon Beattie, President of the European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) for 16 years; and Christian Van Heinecke, Programming and Process Management Expert, Architect.
At the meeting the parties discussed the main features of the new stadium, and shared their views on the initial stadium concept. The consultants presents the results of their research on potential stadium locations and agreed to provide more specific views on the concept after processing the information, received during their first visit to Georgia.
During their multi-day visit to Tbilisi, the consultants met with the management of MDF of MRDI, the leaderships of the Georgian Football Federation and the Rugby Union. They also visited several potential sites for a new stadium in Tbilisi, which will ultimately be selected based on the recommendations of the team of experts.
The consulting team brings together experts from various fields with many years of experience. The expert team will develop both the complete concept of the new stadium and the stages of its implementation, based on international best practices. The concept defines the location of the stadium, as well as the required studies and other details. Necessary technical criteria, requirements and tasks for the procurement stages in the areas of design, construction and supervision, will also be prepared. Consulting services from a team of experts will be provided until project is finalized.
A new multifunctional stadium designated for 70,000 fans and maximum visibility stands will allow Georgia to host football and rugby tournament of the highest level. The stadium will have the highest (4th) UEFA category and will function as a large-scale concert and congress center in addition to hosting sporting events.
In attendance of the meetings were also Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Koba Gabunia, and First Deputy Executive Director of MDF - Giorgi Tsibadze.
