Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen opened its renovated De Vest Campus, expanded by 9,500 m², costing €24.5 million. GM Stijn Coenen highlights flexible auditoriums, VR labs, and facilities for 7,500 students.
As VRT News reported, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen has officially opened its renovated De Vest Campus on Zandpoortvest. The project expanded the building by 9,500 square meters.
General Manager Stijn Coenen said the goal was to create a welcoming campus for students and staff in 2025. The campus now features modern lecture halls with the latest audiovisual systems and fast internet. Practice rooms include virtual reality technology.
“We see many registrations for our graduate programs that lead to a specific job.”
Stijn Coenen, Thomas More
How will Thomas More Mechelen’s €24.5M De Vest campus improve student life?
There is an underground bicycle parking area with 44 charging stations for electric bikes and scooters.
“But above all, we focus on the positive atmosphere of those in the building. I’m thinking of our cafeteria overlooking the Dile River. In good weather, we can take a break or have lunch with a view of the water and the city. I’m looking forward to that,”
Says Coenen. The campus also has several green roof gardens.
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen has opened new flexible auditoriums at its renovated De Vest Campus. General Manager Stijn Coenen said the spaces are
“incredibly flexible and modern.”
Officials mentioned that traditional auditoriums are often rigid and do not allow lecturers to easily switch between full-class explanations and group work. The new auditoriums solve this problem. Students sit on elevated platforms, which lets them work in groups while still following the lecture.
After 2 years of being spread across several buildings, the Thomas More staff are now returning to the De Vest Campus. The campus will house the university’s permanent services in Mechelen. All 7,500 students in the city will use the campus at some point, including nursing and business students.
Coenen said having staff and students in one location improves collaboration and efficiency. With the academic year just 2 weeks away, he has already noticed positive trends in student enrollment.
“Our graduate programs are attracting more and more students. These are two-year programs with a lot of practical experience, focused on a specific job or sector. Think of automotive technology or orthopedagogical support,”
Says Coenen.
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen has invested €24.5 million in the renovation and expansion of its De Vest Campus. Construction began in the summer of 2022, with the symbolic first stone laid on March 20, 2023, by Flemish Minister and Mechelen’s honorary mayor Bart Somers.
The project aims to accommodate the growing student population, which has increased by 50% over the past decade, reaching nearly 7,000 students. The expanded campus is designed to support future growth to accommodate over 10,000 students.
