“Haus Spilles?” A question echoes through Benrath as we approach a building with a vibrant history. Haus Spilles isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to youth engagement and community spirit.
This center for youth culture has been a haven for Düsseldorf’s young people since 1983. But the story starts even earlier. Let’s step back to 1973. A group of people formed the Initiativkreis Jugend in Benrath e. V. or IK. Their goal was simple. They wanted to create a self-managed youth center.
Imagine teenagers deciding what happens in their own space. It was a radical idea. The city didn’t immediately embrace it. So in 1974, the determined youth occupied an empty building. They transformed it into a DIY youth center with minimal funds from the city. However, it wasn’t a long-term solution. The building was eventually demolished.
Did you know that the IK didn’t give up? They continued to fight for their vision. Years of negotiations with the city followed. Finally in 1981, a compromise was reached. The city agreed to support a youth center. The condition was a joint decision-making board. It included city employees and elected youth representatives.
With financial support from Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf, Haus Spilles was renovated. This old post office became a youth center. In June 1983, Haus Spilles opened its doors under this new cooperative model. For nearly a decade, Haus Spilles operated with shared control. However, conflicts arose between city staff and the young people. The city proposed a new concept excluding youth over 17.
This sparked outrage. The IK was reactivated. They demanded self-management for Haus Spilles. After negotiations, the city relented. In July 1993, the IK took over. Haus Spilles became a self-managed youth center. Did you know that Haus Spilles became unique in North Rhine-Westphalia. This is because it is not dependent on a large organization.
Today, Haus Spilles offers a wide range of activities. These are for young people aged 10 and older. It distinguishes between supervised activities for 10-16 year olds. There are also volunteer-run evening programs for those over 16. The Teens Club offers games, sports and an internet cafe. The youth can shape the Teens Club. This happens in regular youth forums.
Haus Spilles also hosts various events. There is an annual open-air concert. There are also cultural events and a summer festival. The Spilles Open Air is a highlight. Local bands perform in the backyard. The summer festival offers fun for families. There are activities like face painting and bouncy castles.
Step inside Haus Spilles. You’ll find two interconnected buildings. The main building is the former post office. There is also a new cafe building. The cafe has three levels. It offers space for readings, parties and concerts. The main building houses offices, an internet cafe and a recording studio. There is also a kitchen, a gym and a workshop.
Haus Spilles is more than just a building. It is a symbol of self-determination. It’s a place where young people can shape their own community. Every Tuesday the Ehrenamtlichen-Rat takes place. Here, everyone is welcome. You can help with cafes, parties or concerts. Bring your own ideas.
Remember Haus Spilles. It is a place built by and for the youth. It continues to evolve. It embodies the spirit of Benrath.