Imelda Institute will open its second school establishment in Etterbeek in 2026!
In September 2026, the Imelda Institute will open a second school establishment in Etterbeek. The Flemish Community Commission (VGC) will convert the old Beobank building, located between the VUB campus and Etterbeek station, into a multifunctional education campus. Project developer Befimmo is responsible for the conversion into two secondary schools and infrastructure for community activities.
Just like on the current ‘Saint-Michel’ site in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Imelda will share the site with a GO! school, in this case the Royal Athenaeum of Etterbeek. 750 students can follow ASO education in the Atheneum, while Imelda creates 400 places for students in TSO & BSO directions. In addition, there is enough space to accommodate more than 2,000 m² of sports infrastructure and a theater hall of 375 m². The gyms and theater facilities will be used during school hours by the students of the schools on this campus and the schools in the area.
Piet Ketele, managing director of the Organizing Committee Annunciates Heverlee: “With the development of this new school, as a branch of the Imelda Institute, we want to respond to the high need in Brussels for vocational and technical secondary education. We want to show young people that they are worth investing in, so that they can confidently find a good job or continue their studies.”
The unique location of the building has several advantages, such as more than 7,000 m² of outdoor play space for the schools, on all sides of the building. The nearby bus, tram and rail stops make this site very accessible for pupils, VUB students, theater and concert lovers and athletes from all over Brussels and beyond. Finally, 125 parking spaces will be opened up for teachers and visitors, which should improve mobility in the area.
Minister Sven Gatz: “With this 60 million euro construction project, the creation of a large educational campus in a prime location in Ixelles, the VGC is once again proving its commitment to Dutch-language education in Brussels. With this we leave our mark on our city and create a new dynamic in this part of Brussels.”