From derelict monastery site to new city quarter: Royal Botanic celebrates first stone laying in the heart of Brussels

Two years after demolition work began on the former Gesù site, close to the Brussels Botanical Garden, redevelopment project Royal Botanic has reached an important milestone. Today, Emir Kir, Mayor of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and Audrey Henry, Brussels Secretary of State for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning, laid the first stones. This also marks the start of the structural works. “It’s a great step forward for the project. By the end of 2027, the first residents will be able to move in, and in early 2028 the YUST hotel will welcome its first guests,” say Johan Vandendriessche & Thibaut De Vos, Managing Partners of VDD Project Development.

Royal Botanic: heritage gets a new future

Royal Botanic is the large-scale redevelopment of the former Gesù site, located next to the iconic Church of Gesù and a stone’s throw from the Brussels Botanical Garden and the historic city centre. After the Jesuits left the site in 1977, the building complex fell increasingly into disrepair over the following decades. In 2019, VDD Project Development and REDET acquired the site with the ambition of restoring its historic character while creating a new, contemporary urban destination.

In collaboration with design architects DDS+ and executive architects Jaspers-Eyers, the developers are transforming the site into a highly sustainable, fossil-fuel-free mixed-use project of around 15,000 m². Three buildings, combining residential, hospitality and commercial functions, are connected by a generous green inner garden. The reconstructed neoclassical corner building on Rue Royale and a new-build on Rue de la Comète will house 57 apartments ranging from 60 to 150 m². The former monastery building on Rue Traversière is being given a new purpose as a YUST hotel and co-living concept, with 49 hostel and hotel rooms and 90 co-living apartments. YUST will also include a restaurant, bar, and meeting and co-working spaces.

Symbolic start of the structural works

Since work began at the end of 2023, progress has been continuous. The initial demolition work was followed by further dismantling of the site, excavation and the foundation works for the three buildings. At the same time, the underground car park was completed. Now that the underground phase has been finished, contractors Louis De Waele and Willemen Bouw can begin the above-ground structural works. Emir Kir, Mayor of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and Audrey Henry, Brussels Secretary of State for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning, marked the symbolic start by laying the first stone.

The structural works on the three buildings are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The façades and building envelopes will then be finished, so that the buildings are wind- and watertight by mid-2027. Full completion of the three buildings is scheduled for the end of 2027.

“Royal Botanic is a textbook example of how heritage and renewal can go hand in hand. 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. This project is a genuine catalyst for the revival of the neighbourhood around the Botanical Garden, and will radiate its positive momentum across the whole of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode.” - Emir Kir, Mayor of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

“The laying of the first stone is a special moment for Royal Botanic. In recent years we have worked mainly below ground: from demolition and excavation to the foundations and car park. From today, the transformation also becomes visible above ground. Together with REDET, YUST and our contractors Louis De Waele and Willemen Bouw, we are taking the next step towards a project that brings together heritage, architecture and contemporary city life.” - Johan Vandendriessche & Thibaut De Vos, Managing Partners of VDD Project Development

“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. Not merely a place people pass through, but a place to live, with redesigned and greener surroundings. Tomorrow, Brussels residents will be able to live there, meet up, work or simply spend time there, thereby helping to bring this neighbourhood to life." - Audrey Henry, Brussels Secretary of State for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning

YUST brings hospitality and co-living to the Gesù site

For YUST too, which is giving the former monastery along Rue Traversière a new purpose, progress is gradually becoming tangible. Their concept has already proven highly popular in Antwerp and Liège and, with its current layout, will strengthen the sense of connection between local residents and guests, redefining urban living in Brussels. The opening of this new Brussels location is planned in line with completion, in the first quarter of 2028.

Anyone interested in the available apartments or in YUST can find more information at www.royalbotanic.be and www.yust.com.

About VDD Project Development

Heritage developer VDD Project Development focuses on the contemporary redevelopment and revaluation of valuable historic sites in prime locations. It aims to be the custodian of historic buildings by giving them a new future. In doing so, particular attention is paid to new architecture in harmony with the historic setting, living quality and sustainability. This gives rise to catalytic projects that create added value for the wider area.

In recent years, it has already demonstrated this expertise with flair through notable references such as the ‘Weylerkazerne’ and ‘Huis van Hamme’ in Bruges, ‘The Dome’, ‘Royal Botanic’ and ‘de Mérode’ in Brussels, ‘Lindenlei 38’ in Ghent and the ‘Koepel District’ in Breda.

More information: www.vddprojectdevelopment.com

About REDET

REDET (re)develops urban residential and commercial real estate projects that generate impact. With more than 15 years of experience in the sector, they create high-quality projects that deliver significant added value for all stakeholders - from residents to investors and communities.

More information: www.redet.be

About YUST

YUST is an innovative, dynamic and flexible ‘hospitality’ concept that combines short and long stays with events, gastronomy and local culture. With its wide range of rooms and formulas, YUST aims to offer an international experience that inspires and connects guests.

More information: ​ www.yust.com

About Willemen Bouw

Willemen Bouw means building with passion and growing with people. The company was formed on 30 April 2025 through the merger of Willemen Construct, Cosimco, Franki Construct and Tools. The company focuses on three segments: civil engineering, industry and buildings. In addition to traditional contracts, Willemen Bouw also carries out projects under DBFM and PPP formulas, in which its own contribution in terms of design and financing is decisive.

More information: www.willemenbouw.be

About Louis De Waele

Louis De Waele is a Belgian general contractor with more than 150 years of experience in the construction sector. The company carries out a wide range of construction, renovation and redevelopment projects, with particular attention to quality, technical expertise and sustainable solutions. Thanks to the experience of its teams and a strong presence in Brussels, Louis De Waele contributes to the realisation of complex and ambitious projects that help shape the city of tomorrow.

More information: www.louisdewaele.be

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