Finally a breakthrough for the former Gesù convent in Brussels: Royal Botanic, a promising and sustainable redevelopment project.
Close to the Botanic Gardens and the historic city centre, a new future for the iconic - but neglected - Gesù site has been sought for some 40 years. After years of vacancy and unsuccessful plans, developers VDD Project Development and REDET, and hospitality concept YUST unveiled the plans of their innovative redevelopment project "Royal Botanic" and the starting signal for the works was given.
The former Jesuit convent has a fascinating history dating back to 1856, when the Jesuits bought the site and drew up plans for a neo-Gothic project with a residence and church. Although the existing convent was rebuilt in 1928, the church only found its final form in 1939 after an extension on the side of Rue Royale in the then very popular art deco style. After the Jesuits left in 1977, the site was left to deteriorate and a vain search was made for a new future for this Brussels heritage.
A groundbreaking project redefines the site and its surroundings
Developers VDD Project Development and REDET bought the site of the neglected monastery in 2019 and are now breathing new life into the historic site under the new name "Royal Botanic". In collaboration with the Brussels-based architects of DDS+, the site will be transformed into an innovative, mixed-use project of 15,000 m² with residential, hospitality and commercial functions distributed across 3 different buildings connected by a generous courtyard garden.
In the corner volume on Koningsstraat, which includes the restored, neo-classical building, and a new building on Staartsterstraat at the rear of the site, a total of 57 apartments will be realised, with surfaces ranging from 60 to 150 m². The former monastery building in Dwarsstraat was handed over to YUST by the developer team.
As in the other cities, the unique YUST concept, with proven success projects in Antwerp and Liège, will offer their unique mix of short and long stays combined with a restaurant, a bar, meeting rooms and co-working spaces. Besides the hospitality facilities and communal spaces on the ground floor, the upper floors will integrate 49 hostel and hotel rooms and 90 co-living apartments.
The developers are committed to maximum sustainability. The project eschews fossil fuels (no gas) and makes maximum use of sustainable installations such as individual heat pumps and solar panels, reducing energy consumption to an absolute minimum. The construction of the new indoor garden will create a green and pleasant environment for the various users of the site.
The new Royal Botanic thus not only gives a new purpose to the neglected site, but also develops into a dynamic and vibrant hotspot and a catalyst for the already thriving neighbourhood.
Royal Botanic is not just another real estate project. It is a tribute to the rich heritage character of the site that embodies our commitment to create a vibrant, sustainable and lively environment. The new Royal Botanic thus not only gives a new purpose to the neglected site, but also develops into a dynamic and vibrant hotspot and a catalyst for the already thriving neighbourhood.
With a variety of functions, a solid foundation is laid for the ambitious Royal Botanic project. The project adds significant value to our community through the harmonious interplay of flats, a hotel, shops, hospitality, heritage preservation and modern architecture. The end result will undoubtedly exceed all expectations, and like a phoenix, the Gesù site will rise from its ashes to become the stunning Royal Botanic!
We are relieved that this old and well-known urban canker will soon be a thing of the past. So this 'dead corner' at the beginning of the Haachtsesteenweg will get a second life. With the Kruidtuin next door and a good connection to the city centre and the North Quarter, the site has many assets. The only thing missing now is the redevelopment of the church on the site. Now that it is up for sale, we hope that good news for the future will come soon there too.
Construction has started
In addition to the unveiling of the plans, work was also kicked off. Mayor of Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode Emir Kir and Brussels Secretary of State for Urban Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons jointly demolished the first wall. Completion of the Royal Botanic project is expected for the first half of 2026.
More information can be found on the website www.royalbotanic.brussels