Kakha Kaladze: The "Rike Tubes" were in extremely poor condition and had become a dumping ground – the private owner decided to demolish them – it is a very important site, so the new project must fit the surroundings

Tbilisi's Mayor Kakha Kaladze has clarified the circumstances surrounding the demolition of the Rike Tubes, a privately-owned structure that had significantly deteriorated over time. According to Kaladze, the building had fallen into such disrepair and neglect that it had essentially transformed into an informal dumping ground, making it unsuitable for continued use. Faced with these conditions, the property's private owner made the decision to demolish the structure entirely.

Kaladze emphasized that while a government decree exists, the demolition process must still adhere to strict architectural standards overseen by the city's Architecture Service. The demolition procedures themselves have been subject to ongoing review to ensure compliance with current regulations. In collaboration with the Cultural Council, the municipal authorities granted permission for the owner to proceed with the demolition.

As of now, the owner has not yet presented any proposal to City Hall for the replacement project. Kaladze stated that a new design will need to be submitted and reviewed before any construction can commence. He stressed that given the site's prominent location and cultural significance, any future development must be carefully considered to complement the surrounding urban landscape.

The Mayor expressed confidence that the project selection process will result in an exceptional development. He noted that specialists and professionals from relevant fields will be consulted to ensure the new structure meets the highest standards and harmonizes with its context. Once a project proposal is formally presented to the city administration, the public will be informed of the details and plans for the site's redevelopment.