Client
VZW Ignatius Scholen in Beweging
Location
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium
Egied van Broeckhoven
The Egied Van Broeckhoven School brings world-class education to Sint-Jans-Molenbeek - one of Brussels' most diverse and socio-economically challenged districts. Built within the buildings of the former Vandenheuvel brewery, the school provides 860 students with modern facilities for STEM and welfare studies, while its sports hall, auditorium and event spaces serve the wider community outside school hours.
Financial Close
June 2022
Construction Period
2022 - 2024
Concession Period
30 years
Handback
2054
Client
VZW Ignatius Scholen in Beweging
Location
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium
Sponsor/Investor
Invesis and Alheembouw nv
Consortium
ABC 02
Engineering Procurement and Construction
Alheembouw nv
Operations and Maintenance
BAM Facility Management bv
Capital Value
€35m
Working with Ignatius Scholen in Beweging to pioneer the Flemish Government's DBFM schools programme
School infrastructure in Flanders had suffered from decades of underinvestment, leaving many buildings outdated and no longer fit for purpose. To address this, the Flemish Government launched a programme to deliver 42 schools through a DBFM PPP model - expanding capacity, modernising facilities and creating community assets that go well beyond the classroom.
In 2022, Invesis and Alheembouw formed the ABC 02 consortium and were selected to deliver the Egied Van Broeckhoven School - the first project under the Flemish Government's DBFM schools programme, and a significant milestone as Invesis's first investor developer project. The partnership combines Invesis's PPP expertise with Alheembouw's strong track record in Belgian school construction.
The school opened in September 2024, welcoming 860 students to modern classrooms, practical learning spaces, a sports hall and community facilities. The Availability Certificate was issued on 26 June 2024 - delivered on time and on budget.
Delivering a school 40% beyond energy requirements through geothermal energy and smart integrated design
The Egied Van Broeckhovenschool exceeds Belgian EPB energy regulations by 40% - achieved through a fully integrated energy concept developed by the ABC 02 consortium from the ground up.
Geothermal energy provides the primary heat and cooling source via an underground storage system linked to underfloor heating, supported by 290 photovoltaic panels (72.5kWp), individually programmable LED lighting, automatic sunscreens, green roofs and rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing. CO2-driven ventilation ensures healthy air quality for students and staff throughout the school day.
Circular principles are embedded in the building's fabric - the entrance floors and first-grade areas were laid with 100% recovered tiles from the original Vandenheuvel brewery, preserving a connection to the site's industrial heritage while reducing the use of new materials.
Raising aspirations and building community in one of Brussels' most vibrant and diverse districts
- Located in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, one of Brussels' most socio-economically challenged districts, the school gives 860 young people access to high-quality STEM and welfare education aligned to the needs of the local job market.
- The school's facilities - including a competition-standard sports hall, auditorium and event spaces - are open to the community outside school hours, providing a welcoming meeting place in a neighbourhood known for its diversity.
- The boxing club based at the school offers a structured and positive outlet for local young people, serving a wide range of needs in the community.
- The project creates approximately 120 new jobs across teaching, administrative, welfare and maintenance roles, supporting the local economy.
- FSC/PEFC-certified timber was used throughout construction, and social enterprises were engaged as subcontractors wherever possible.
- The school won the Realty Award 2024 in the Societal category, recognising its impact on community wellbeing, social inclusion and economic opportunity in Molenbeek.
