Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Brussels, 24 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Brussels Gesù redevelopment has moved into its above-ground construction phase after officials laid the first stones of the Royal Botanic project at the former Jesuit convent near the Botanical Garden. The milestone follows demolition, excavation and foundation works at the historic site.
Royal Botanic Begins Structural Construction
Saint-Josse-ten-Noode Mayor Emir Kir and Brussels Secretary of State for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning Audrey Henry marked the start of structural works on 23 September.
Construction began at the end of 2023 with demolition and dismantling. Excavation, foundations for the three planned buildings and an underground car park followed before contractors moved to the above-ground phase.
The approximately 15,000-square-metre Royal Botanic development will combine housing, hospitality and commercial uses across three buildings linked by a green internal garden.
Two buildings are planned to contain 57 apartments ranging from about 60 to 150 square metres. The former monastery building on Rue Traversière will become a YUST hospitality and co-living complex containing 49 hostel and hotel rooms and 90 co-living apartments. Plans also include a restaurant, bar, meeting facilities and co-working space.
Emir Kir Welcomes Neighbourhood Redevelopment
Kir said the transformation was significant for Saint-Josse-ten-Noode after years of deterioration at the former religious complex.
“Where three years ago there was still a neglected site, we can now see the outlines of a new, vibrant place emerging in the heart of our municipality,” Kir said during the project milestone. He described Royal Botanic as a catalyst for renewal around the Botanical Garden.
The Jesuits left the site in 1977, after which the complex progressively deteriorated. VDD Project Development and REDET acquired the property in 2019 with plans to combine elements of its historic character with new urban uses.
Audrey Henry Highlights Mixed-Use Plans
Henry said the Brussels Gesù redevelopment demonstrated how several functions could be incorporated into one urban project.
“Royal Botanic is a fine example of the city of tomorrow: a place that brings together different uses, with housing, co-living, shops and a hotel,” Henry said. She added that the development was intended to create a place where Brussels residents could live, meet, work and spend time.
The developers say Royal Botanic will operate without fossil gas. Plans include individual heat pumps and solar panels, alongside a landscaped internal garden.
Former Gesù Convent Gets New Urban Use
The redevelopment gives the former convent a defined future after years of planning and previous attempts to regenerate the property.
Its location near the Botanical Garden places the project between central Brussels, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and the North Quarter. The combination of apartments, hospitality, co-living and commercial facilities is intended to return the previously neglected site to active use.
Royal Botanic Completion Planned for 2027
Structural works on the three buildings are expected to finish during the first quarter of 2027. The façades and building envelopes are scheduled to become wind- and watertight by mid-2027.
Full completion is planned for the end of 2027, when the first residents are expected to move into the Brussels Gesù redevelopment. The YUST Brussels operation is scheduled to welcome its first guests during the first quarter of 2028.
