The Minister of Infrastructure, Revaz Sokhadze, together with Georgian and American architects, visited the site in Kutaisi where a new multifunctional sports palace is planned. The project is being developed by the Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Infrastructure in partnership with the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler, the Ministry of Infrastructure reported.

Minister Sokhadze highlighted the importance of involving such high-level specialists in Georgia’s sports infrastructure development.

“By government decision, a multifunctional sports palace of international standards is being built in Kutaisi. The Georgian company Demark, which won the architectural competition, has partnered with Gensler, one of the world’s leading sports infrastructure design firms. Their expertise will ensure high-quality planning, construction, and infrastructure that meets international standards,” Sokhadze said after inspecting the site.

The design of the 5,000-seat sports palace is being jointly prepared by Demark and Gensler. During a meeting in Kutaisi, the project’s concept, functional layout, and integration with the city’s urban environment were discussed with the Minister, the State Trustee of Imereti Region Levan Zalkliani, and representatives of Demark.

Gensler, founded in 1965, is known for its human-centred, sustainable, and technologically innovative approach, with projects such as the Moody Centre Basketball and Events Arena (USA), YOFC Headquarters (China), and Adobe Founders Tower (USA). The firm emphasizes preserving the cultural context of cities and designing public spaces that meet community needs.

The Kutaisi Sports Palace will feature sports halls, a training area, a swimming pool, referees’ and doping control rooms, a conference hall, press workspace, reception rooms for international delegations, a sports shop, and a cafeteria. The surrounding area will include parking lots, pedestrian paths, internal roads, and recreational spaces. The building will be fully accessible for people with special needs.

The palace will host national and international sports competitions, conferences, and other events. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Gensler’s entry into the Georgian market also creates opportunities for local architects and designers, fostering the exchange of international experience and modern architectural standards in the country.