Thomas More opens new Campus De Vest: ultra-modern and welcoming learning environment in the heart of Mechelen
On Thursday 4 September, Mechelen mayor Bart Somers opened Thomas More's new Campus De Vest. The campus offers students a state-of-the-art learning environment with a VR classroom, flexible study areas, green meeting places and a central location in the heart of Mechelen. Following an investment of 34 million euros, 9,500 m² of new building space is now ready for the new academic year.
The new De Vest campus is all about the student experience. At its heart is a spacious central “living room” where students can relax, study and meet friends. The new restaurant is also much more than just a place to eat. It will be a real social hub. ‘We wanted to create a place where students really feel at home,’ says Stijn Coenen, managing director of Thomas More.
The campus houses the healthcare and business programmes and is now the beating heart of all four Thomas More locations in Mechelen. ‘What's more, it is a futuristic educational hub where we prepare students optimally for their professional careers. At the same time, we are working on renovating our campus in Geel so that all our students can benefit from modern learning environments.’
‘That warm, homely atmosphere is central to everything we do.’
Cutting-edge
At De Vest, students can get to work with the latest technologies. The special VR classroom invites experimentation with virtual reality, while the eleven flexible classrooms can be adapted to any form of education. Thanks to powerful Wi-Fi and plenty of power sockets, students can stay connected at all times.
The large auditorium can accommodate 450 people and can be divided up for various activities: from lessons and conferences to student events. In addition, there are two smaller rooms that are perfect for group work and presentations.
Mayor Bart Somers emphasises the importance:
‘This new campus is an investment in the future of our young people, but also in the future of our city. Educational institutions such as Thomas More are engines of innovation, progress and engagement. Students not only bring life to our city, they also bring ideas, energy and ambition. This campus will take Thomas More to an even higher level and at the same time make Mechelen even stronger.’
Green oasis
The campus breathes. Three green roof gardens offer students and staff peaceful places to relax between classes. Two of them are fully accessible and offer beautiful views of Mechelen. ‘We are closing the loop: from rainwater to solar energy, from green roofs to sustainable energy from the ground,’ explains Coenen.
Bicycle-friendly campus
Thomas More makes it easy for students to travel to school sustainably. The underground bicycle parking facility has space for 304 bicycles and is secured with cameras. Electric bicycles and scooters can be charged at 44 special charging points, and cargo bicycles are given extra spacious parking spaces.
For cyclists, there are luxurious changing rooms with showers, lockers and drying cabinets for wet clothing. Ideal after a rainy ride to school. Above ground, there are another 90 additional bicycle parking spaces.
In the heart of Mechelen
The renovated campus is strategically located on the Dijle, close to Mechelen's city boulevard. Students are right in the middle of bustling city life, with restaurants and cultural attractions within walking distance. It therefore forms an important part of the further development of this urban district.
