Royal Botanic is a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Gesù convent site in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Brussels, Belgium. The site stood empty for about 20 years before above-ground construction began in September 2026. The project is being developed by VDD Project Development and REDET, which acquired the convent complex in 2019. YUST is involved in the hotel and co-living part of the development. 23
The convent became vacant in 2004. After its sale to property investor Pierre Buyssens in 2007, plans to convert it into a large hotel were challenged by the urban associations ARAU and Inter-Environment Bruxelles; the permit was eventually annulled. Occupants moved into the building in 2010 and were evicted three years later following complaints about nuisance. 2
The redevelopment combines homes, a hotel and hospitality businesses. The wider project is described as covering about 15,000 square metres, with 57 apartments alongside YUST hotel and co-living accommodation, plus commercial and food-service spaces. 34 Mayor Emir Kir and Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning Audrey Henry marked the start of the above-ground phase by laying the first stones on 23 September 2026. 2
According to BRUZZ, 80 percent of the apartments had been sold in pre-sale at that point; a two-bedroom apartment cost around €400,000. The project does not include social housing. Apartment handovers are planned for late 2027, with the hotel due to open in early 2028; the project had experienced a delay of about 18 months. 2