Ivanishvili's proposed Rike project reflected 'megalomania', former Tbilisi Mayor Ugulava

Opposition politician and former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava has claimed that a previously proposed development by Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili for Tbilisi's Rike area demonstrated "megalomania" rather than architectural taste.

In a post on social media, Ugulava shared an image of what he said was Ivanishvili's rejected concept for the site, claiming it would have dramatically altered the city's historic landscape.

"What this shows is not Ivanishvili's good or bad taste, but his complete inadequacy and megalomania," Ugulava wrote.

He alleged that the proposed bird-shaped structure would have dominated the Rike district and obscured views of several prominent landmarks, including the Baratashvili ascent, Mtatsminda Plateau, Mtatsminda Pantheon, Avlabari and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Ugulava also claimed that disagreements over the proposal became one of the sources of conflict between himself and Ivanishvili.

In a postscript to his message, he further alleged that the design included a 20,000-square-metre karaoke venue.