New project is part of large construction programme to improve Flemish school infrastructure

Yesterday, Kevin De Backer, deputy headmaster of BA Zandpoort, symbolically put the first spade in the ground for the construction of his new school in Mechelen. He did so together with some enthusiastic guests, including Mayor Bart Somers. “This new school building is an important investment in the future and the well-being of pupils and teachers,” said Geert Van Hoof, general manager of GO! Scholengroep 5. If everything goes smoothly, the new 2,400 m² school will open its gates in December 2025.

Meanwhile, the grounds of the Busleyden Atheneum (BA) campus on Zandpoortvest are buzzing with activity. Aurora Schools, the consortium responsible for the design, construction and financing of the new school, is therefore working hard to ensure that the new campus will be an example of a modern, sustainable building where everyone can feel good and at home.

“After many preparations, rescheduling of sites and withholding of designs, the first spade can finally go into the ground. And we are really proud of that. This new school building ensures the future of many hundreds of students. It will soon provide teachers and management with all the tools to fulfil their mission in a professional and enjoyable way. Which is: bringing out the best in pupils, to let their talents develop to their full potential. The role of a good school infrastructure in this regard cannot be underestimated.” ​ - ​Geert Van Hoof, managing director of GO! Scholengroep 5

“The Infrastructure Department of GO! aims to create inspiring learning environments in safe, healthy, and comfortable buildings that are the preferred learning place of every learner who chooses GO! Our mission is to create engaging and innovative learning environments that translate 'school as a concept' into practice, promote well-being and encourage optimal learning. At the site here in Mechelen, this is taking place in the form of a DBFM programme (Design, Build, Finance & Maintain) and a school building is being constructed for 300 pupils with a construction cost of around €7.7 million as an investment for our future.”  - ​Kurt Meeus, head of the infrastructure department at GO!

Leuven-based czaar architecten was in charge of designing the new school, which is remarkably open and allows for a particularly large amount of natural light.

“The ground floor is conceived as a large, open learning plaza with a foyer and a double-height atrium that links to the first floor. The secretariat, kitchen and a brand-new laboratory will be arranged around the foyer. The first floor will be home to innovative landscape classrooms that can be flexibly adapted in terms of size by mobile furniture, among other things. The sports hall will be housed on the second floor and fitted with professional equipment.” ​ - ​Gert Standaert of czaar architecten

Energy-efficient and climate-friendly
The new school building not only offers an ideal combination of modern design and functionality, it also has an eye for sustainability, according to contractor Democo, who is building the school.

“Building a future-proof school requires a climate-friendly approach. For this reason, the campus will meet the highest energy and comfort requirements. For example, heating is provided by an air-water heat pump and the ventilation system with heat recovery will always ensure an ideal indoor climate. We also provide solar energy and green roofs are interspersed with white reflective roofing. After construction, we and our colleagues at The Energy Circle will constantly monitor the building's energy performance and will make further improvements in the years ahead - where necessary and where possible.” ​ ​- ​Jochen Willen, director of Democo

Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers was also present at the ceremony this afternoon. To him, the new campus is an absolute added value for the Mechelen as an education city.

“First and foremost, this is an important investment in education in our city. The number of pupils and students in Mechelen is increasing every year. Pleasant places to learn as well as sufficient places to attend school in one's own city are therefore crucial. This is a good example of how it can be done in a thoughtful and efficient way. Moreover, this will be a campus that will not only delight teachers, students and their parents. The whole neighbourhood will be able to enjoy it, because plenty of greenery will be provided around the building. And local sports clubs will also be allowed to use the brand-new sports hall after school hours as well.” ​ ​ - ​Bart Somers, mayor of Mechelen

If all goes according to plan, pupils opting for the study domains of entrepreneurship and IT will be taught in the brand-new school building on Zandpoortvest starting in December 2025.

Flemish school infrastructure
The new school building will be realised with Agion as the subsidising authority, according to a so-called DBFM procedure: the Design, Build, Finance and 30-year Maintenance of the new school will be managed by the Aurora Scholen consortium. The latter consists of investors Rebel and EPICo and contractors Democo and Van Roey. 

The consortium is currently designing and building a total of 23 schools in Flanders, including in Ninove, Ertvelde, Ghent, Haaltert, Ronse and Lanaken. Each of these constitute public-private partnerships. Aurora Scholen wants to boost the much-needed revamping of the school infrastructure in Flanders and relieve organising powers, parent committees and school councils so that they no longer have to rely on their own fundraising to invest in the school. They can now concentrate fully on school operations and the pedagogical project.