Mechelen – Thomas More University of Applied Sciences has inaugurated its renovated De Vest Campus, a €24.5 million project expanding the facility by 9,500 square meters to accommodate 7,500 students, reports 24brussels.
The newly opened campus, located on Zandpoortvest, features modern lecture halls equipped with advanced audiovisual systems and high-speed internet access. General Manager Stijn Coenen emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for both students and staff in 2025.
Among the innovative additions are practice rooms outfitted with virtual reality technology, aimed at enhancing learning experiences. “We see many registrations for our graduate programs that lead to a specific job,” said Coenen.
Impact of the €24.5 million De Vest campus on student life
The campus offers underground bicycle parking, complete with 44 charging stations for electric bikes and scooters. Coenen pointed out the cafeteria overlooking the Dile River, emphasizing the positive atmosphere it will create: “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.”
The flexible auditoriums are designed to be “incredibly flexible and modern,” resolving issues common in traditional setups that limit interactive teaching methods. Students can now engage in group work while still participating in lectures.
After a two-year period of being distributed across several facilities, university staff is returning to the newly enhanced De Vest Campus, which will host all permanent services. The campus anticipates serving all 7,500 students in Mechelen, including those studying nursing and business.
Coenen highlighted that consolidating faculty and students in one location fosters collaboration and boosts efficiency. With the academic year starting in just two weeks, he has already noticed an uptick in student enrollment.
“Our graduate programs are attracting more and more students. These are two-year programs with practical experience, focused on specific jobs or sectors. Think of automotive technology or orthopedagogical support,” he remarked.
This renovation reflects a significant investment in accommodating the rising student population, which has surged by 50% over the last decade, nearing 7,000 students. The expanded campus aims to support future growth and is projected to accommodate over 10,000 students.
