Verversdijk Extension Project
Model of the Verversdijk site, © XDGA
The restoration of the former Jesuit monastery and the construction of new buildings at the site will offer the College the space it requires for its further growth in the City of Bruges. In the course of the years, the academic programmes and the extra-curricular activities organised by the College have undergone development and diversification. In parallel, the number of students, as well as the number of academic, administrative and technical staff, has gradually increased.
By extending its facilities to the Verversdijk, the College reinforces its links with the City of Bruges and has contributed towards the renovation of a site of historical value. Thanks to the skill and vision of the architects, this audacious project has combined traditional restoration techniques with a resolutely modern style of architecture.
On the left is the building housing the foyer, two auditoria and the
ICT department. In the center is the three level office building and
on the right the reception of the campus with 12 modular seminar rooms.
In welcoming professors and students of the College of Europe, the Verversdijk site is being reunited with its past. Since the arrival of the Jesuits at the beginning of the 17th century, the Verversdijk has almost continuously housed educational institutions. Today, this educational function takes on a European dimension.
For an institution like the College of Europe, the undertaking of a project on the scale of the Verversdijk was, in many respects, a challenge, but one that has succeeded. However, this success would not have been possible without the support in a number of areas or without the drive and dedication of many people. The names of the various public institutions and private companies that supported the project financially are listed here. The College wishes to express its gratitude to them.
On the left is the building with the reception, bike shed and 12
seminar rooms, in the center, the old concierge building,
and on the right the building of phase II.
A special word of thanks must nevertheless be addressed to the Flemish Government, which financed a large part of the Verversdijk, and to the City of Bruges, whose support for the project has been unfailing. Special recognition is also due to two people in the College, who have become identified with the project during recent years: on the one hand, Professor Norbert Vanhove who, following in the footsteps of Baron Olivier Vanneste, was tireless in his search for financial supporters, and on the other hand, Mrs. Lieve Verhaeghe who, day after day, supervised the progress of the works and the equipping of the buildings.
The ties which have linked the College of Europe and the City of Bruges since 1949 are such that they have given rise throughout Europe to the expression “l’esprit de Bruges”. By realising the expansion of the College, the Verversdijk project will contribute towards the strengthening of this spirit and towards the further promotion of the image of Bruges in Europe.