One of Georgia’s largest investment projects, Galleria Tbilisi, officially opens

A multifunctional shopping centre has opened in an abandoned Soviet-era building in central Tbilisi today, to reinvigorate Georgia’s capital, develop real estate and commercial markets and encourage more tourists to visit the city.

The building, commonly known as the Univermagi building, located near Freedom Square has been transformed into a modern shopping centre named Galleria Tbilisi, with 97 million USD in investments and 800 employees.

Galleria Tbilisi, with 97 million USD in investments and 800 employees, opens in the heart of Tbilisi, on Rustaveli Avenue. Photo by PM's press office

Opening Galleria Tbilisi this evening, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said he believes this place will not only be a shopping mall but also serve as a cultural space.

Besides the trade center, it will house entertainment areas, two theaters, and a movie theater equipped in line with ultramodern standards. This is why I am excited to congratulate you on this day!” PM Kvirikashviloi said.

Renovation works at the new Galleria Tbilisi started in February 2016.

The five-storey mall is spread over a 22,000 m2 territory. Two theatres – Griboedov Theatre and Liberty Theatre, Freedom Square Metro Station, middle and upper-scale fashion stores, a food court, grocery shops and parking spaces for 308 cars will be integrated in the one large retail space:

• The lower ground level – grocery shops;
• Ground level –mid-range fashion stores;
• First level - mid-range fashion stores;
• Second level – upper-scale fashion stores;
• Third level – household and childrens wear; 
• Fourth level – food court.

PM Kvirikashvili said world-class brands will be showcased at this mall, which reaffirms the exceptionally high level of trust for Georgia. Moreover, 90% of the materials used here are Georgian made, and the most difficult construction works here have been accomplished by Georgian companies.

PM Kvirikashvili said this day is special because this place has been reborn and refashioned into the ultramodern Galleria Tbilisi center. Photo by PM's press office

The Georgian Co-Investment Fund (GCF) – a $6 billion USD fund founded by former Prime Minister and billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili – purchased the former Univergamgi building in April 2015 from Dutch company Doryphore Investment B.V.

The GCF invested $77 million USD to build and establish the Galleria Tbilisi shopping centre. Anagi, a local construction company, led the construction works while Colliers International Georgia was responsible for attracting international brands to the shopping centre.