PM announces 20-year land lease program to boost sports infrastructure development

“We are initiating a special sports infrastructure program aimed at developing sports infrastructure and improving accessibility,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at today’s government session.

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, this applies to both sports grounds at public schools and other public land plots that can be used for this purpose.

“There are numerous facilities across the country, including school infrastructure. Schools have sports grounds, including standard 100-meter fields, which are currently in deplorable condition. In Tbilisi alone, there are 20 school stadiums requiring rehabilitation. Our goal is to utilise this resource as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Accordingly, we are launching a new program aimed at further advancing mass participation in sports, promoting high-achievement athletic development, and supporting children’s sports initiatives. This initiative will encompass both sports facilities at public schools and other publicly owned land parcels that can be utilised for sports-related purposes.

“The core of the program is that in exchange for investment, specifically, the rehabilitation of the designated space, land plot, and the development of sports infrastructure and facilities, we will lease the corresponding land for 20 years with construction rights. During the first ten years, tenants will pay a symbolic rental fee, followed by market-rate rent for the remaining ten years. Essentially, we are waiving fees for the initial decade as an incentive for their investment. Any business entity presenting a viable investment project along with a bank guarantee will be eligible to participate in this initiative,” announced the Prime Minister.

As Irakli Kobakhidze emphasised, during the academic year, schools will naturally have free access to the relevant infrastructure. In return, the investor will be required to provide and maintain the infrastructure for the school’s use at no cost throughout the academic period.

“There is a very high demand among children for sports facilities, especially in football, and the current supply cannot meet this demand. We have been investing state resources into developing such infrastructure, but now we can encourage investors to contribute their own funds. This approach will greatly enhance infrastructure development and promote children’s sports, not only in football but also in rugby and other disciplines, utilizing these spaces. I believe this will be an extremely effective program with tangible results. The program will be announced in the coming days, and any interested business entity will have the opportunity to participate. Our goal is to make Georgia a new Croatia in sports—a small country with outstanding athletic achievements. We have the talent, and maximizing its potential is crucial. This comprehensive program represents a significant step forward in achieving that vision,” the Prime Minister stated.