Construction has officially begun on the “New Bana” multifunctional complex in the Khashuri Municipality of Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the region’s cultural and infrastructural development. Once completed, the facility will serve as a major hub for sports, education, religion, and community activities.

The launch of construction activities was recently marked by a site visit from high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Kakhaber Guledan, who inspected the progress of the project. The minister, who has been actively involved in overseeing infrastructure development across the country, expressed optimism about the impact the complex will have on local communities.

According to the Ministry of Regional Development, the initiative reflects a broader push to modernize Georgia’s regional infrastructure and support community-building efforts. In a post shared on the Ministry’s official Facebook page on June 4, 2025, officials shared photos from the construction site and noted the symbolic and practical importance of the complex.

Joining Minister Guledan on the site visit were several key figures: First Deputy Levan Zavutashvili, State Commissioner of Internal Georgia Simon Guledan, Member of Parliament Zaal Dugladze, and Mayor of Khashuri Municipality Tengiz Chitiashvili. Together, they were introduced to the vision of the “New Bana” complex, which promises to blend cultural preservation with modern civic amenities.

A Multifunctional Vision: “New Bana”

Designed as a one-of-a-kind facility, “New Bana” will unite monastic, educational, economic, cultural, and social functions under one expansive architectural plan. Its origins trace back to 2017, when construction began following the prayer-blessing of Catholic Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia. The project was conceptualized by Bishop Svimeon, the Bishop of Surami and Khashuri Eparchy.

“New Bana” takes inspiration from Georgia’s rich ecclesiastical history. At the center of the complex will be a grand temple modeled after the historic Bana Cathedral located in Tao-Klarjeti—now part of modern-day Turkey. The original temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance, stood as a hallmark of Georgian Khurot monasticism.

As explained by Bishop Simeon, who personally guided officials through the site, the temple under construction will not only serve as a place of worship but as a tangible link to Georgia’s spiritual and architectural legacy. He elaborated on the design of the complex, its construction process, and its broader cultural significance.

Education and Opportunity

Situated adjacent to the complex is a newly established vocational school, built to meet modern educational standards. The school is poised to play a vital role in providing the youth of Khashuri and surrounding areas with technical and academic training that aligns with today’s labor market demands.

During the site visit, guests had the opportunity to explore the vocational school’s infrastructure. Officials also learned about the educational programs available to students and the broader vision for integrating education with community development.

By bringing together spiritual heritage, educational advancement, and social infrastructure, the “New Bana” project is expected to become a cornerstone of regional pride and opportunity. As construction progresses, it stands as a testament to Georgia’s commitment to investing in both its history and its future.

Originally reported by Zurab in Geoegia Online.