A mix of houses, student rooms and commercial properties

Kortrijk is becoming increasingly attractive and its population is growing. Some projections assume that the population will reach 85,000 people by 2040, compared to more than 78,000 people today. But the arrival of more people also means the need for more sustainable and quality housing options. To respond to this, ION is building a new neighborhood of approximately 9,200 square meters on the corner of Doorniksewijk and Boerderijstraat, with more space for living, working and studying.

A healthy combination with room for greenery

Concretely, the project consists of six new buildings with their own architecture and a healthy mix of different types of housing options: from apartments to houses to student rooms. Together they form an “L” around the Basilica of Saint Roch. The latter was dismantled and converted last year into the “ArtChurchRochus” arts center. A completely new public square will be built between the church and the new buildings – hence the name of the project.

Local residents and passers-by will be able to sit quietly in the square or eat and drink something. In green decor. For example, green areas and tall trees are used. It was even decided to abandon the basement parking space and make a big break so that the trees could take root well in the open ground and grow strong. In addition, the project developer will be looking for high-quality businesses that will make the square a real attraction.

Six new buildings

The first two buildings together form the “Kouture” and the renovated corner between Doorniksewijk and Boerderijstraat. These two residences offer seven spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments with large terraces, distributed over five floors per building. All apartments offer a beautiful view of the neo-Gothic church, the new square and the city.

Next to the “Kouture” on Doorniksewijk, wide access to the new square will be provided and the view of the church will be fully appreciated again. A little further on in Doorniksewijk will be located ‘Knuss’, featuring 23 affordable entry-level apartments, each with its own terrace.

On the Boerderijstraat side, “Kouture” is joined by “Karaktr”. The yellow bricks of the facade will be retained in consultation with the City of Kortrijk and the CAAN Architecten team. “Karaktr” offers space for two houses and two apartments.

Next to “Karaktr” there will be “Komfort”, which will include 11 functional apartments with an area of ​​​​about 80 square meters. This building has also been given a different architecture to maintain diversity in the neighborhood. The apartments behind the white-green tiled facade are suitable for beginners.

Behind “Comfort” there is a private park where students and residents can enjoy the green spaces in the center of Kortrijk. The project will also include an underground garage that can accommodate 65 vehicles, with the ability to connect charging stations.

The last licensed student rooms in Kortrijk

In addition to the residential part, “Plein Publiek” will finally provide a place for 54 students from the Kortrijk campuses of Vives, West, KULAK and Ghent University. This is exactly where students from Stella Maris School on Boerderijstraat used to take lessons. The historic facade of the former school has been preserved. Behind the renovated facade, ION offers new construction complete with all modern amenities. High ceilings up to 4.5 meters high and high windows provide an additional sense of space and more light. Future students can also enjoy the peace in the private garden.

Students who choose “Kott” also have a choice. Concretely, there will be 8 rooms with shared sanitary facilities, 6 studios, 28 student rooms and 6 double rooms (mezzanine) with private sanitary facilities. In addition, there will also be so-called “apartment” rooms. These are spacious student apartments with three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and private balcony. Furthermore, the Cote has two common relaxation areas, three large bathrooms, kitchens and 58 underground bicycle spaces.

“The student rooms are the last rooms to be licensed in Kortrijk before the new ‘construction freeze’ for rooms comes into effect. The “construction halt” is a city control mechanism that ensures supply is constantly matched with actual demand. Kortrijk will need about 5,200 student rooms by 2030, or approximately 1,000 more than today. Therefore, the goal is to systematically increase the number of rooms available. All this means that student rooms in Kortrijk are also becoming interesting investment properties. By attracting investors, we are able to raise expectations and thus offer students a high-quality offer with plenty of choice, just a five-minute bike ride from the various colleges in Kortrijk.“, thus Christophe VanfleterenCEO of project developer ION.

Construction begins summer 2024

All student rooms, houses and commercial properties in “Plein Publiek” are gradually starting to be sold. Actual construction work will begin before the summer of 2024. If all goes according to plan, the first students could move in at the end of the summer of 2026. For apartment residents, it will be in early 2027.