“9 years ago, the teachers started thinking about a new school. A few years later, there were already ideas, and now it has come to fruition. A beautiful, new, and fresh school.” With these words, Sophie spoke on behalf of the student council to the guests on August 20, 2025. Under the watchful eye of parents, various guests, and of course the students, education alderman Johan Pas, together with 2 children, raised the flag with the new logo. Students and principals gave an opening speech, and afterwards there was a treat for all attendees.

About the child center

The new child center houses 2 primary schools, Basisschool John F Kennedy and the Emile Wesly school, and childcare Together Playing. Additionally, the building provides space for external (care) partners who can offer extra support to children when needed. That there was not only construction of bricks, was emphasized by the 3 principals – Thessa Paanakker (Together Playing), Francis van der Mooren (Emile Wesly), and Marc Houben (Basisschool John F Kennedy): “we have also built on vision, ideas, and collaboration over the past time, and now we will continue to implement that under one roof together.”

Sustainable

In the design and construction of the child center, a lot of attention has also been paid to sustainability. The new building is an energy-neutral building (ENG) and has, among other things, an energy storage and energy generation system and monitoring that meets the desired standards and legal requirements for educational buildings. The core child center is a design by Sylvie Smeets from Architects on the Maas. 

Integral Housing Plan (IHP)

The new construction of the core child center Belfort is part of the so-called Integral Housing Plan (IHP) of the municipality of Maastricht. It describes which schools will be renovated or newly built in the coming years. “The realization of this child center represents a beautiful milestone for future-proof and sustainable housing for primary education in Maastricht-West. It is good to see how the 3 parties each with their identity, but with 1 shared vision ensure a stimulating and inclusive environment where children aged 0 to 13 can develop,” said alderman Johan Pas.